‘I’d dabbled in Thai Boxing,’ said Kitson, 20, who’s completing his final year studying business and finance at Leeds University. ‘Then I heard about Ultra offering eight weeks basic MMA training free of charge. I signed up and did the frequently gruelling training. Before I knew it, I was facing tough local Leeds lad Jamie Farrer in the cage preparing to batter me for six minutes.’
Former Altrincham College and Sixth Form student Kitson got the win by guillotine choke and was proud to have ‘tested myself to the limit leaving me with the war wounds to prove it which was all part of the fun. I’m grateful to everyone who crossed the Pennines to support me. The whole experience was massively exhilarating. I was nervous but excited because obviously there is an element of risk. Ultra events are well organised and as safe as can possibly be.’
Referee Stefan Joachim agrees. ‘For some this will have been the most exciting night of their lives. My job is ensuring everyone goes home happy and to work the next Monday. There’s obviously an element of risk but these bouts are for novices. I’ll stop a fight when I judge it’s necessary even if no one’s tapped out.’
If interested in training for the next Ultra MMA event in Greater Manchester, then visit https://www.ultra-mma.co.uk/sign-up .
