Report by James Bovington: Photos by  Michael James Ellis

Mansfield MMA fighter Rhys Lawrence is celebrating his first victory as an adult amateur in a competition mostly following the sport’s professional rules.

Lawrence travelled to Grantham with others from Resurrection MMA in Sutton to compete in Wolkernite Fight Championship Seven.

“I was excited for the fight because for the first time I could give and take strikes to the head, and fight without shin guards, which I had to wear as a junior competitor,” he said.

“This means in MMA jargon that I am now competing under Amateur Class A rules.”

Rhys defeated Sam Hillbrown, of Rough Diamonds MMA gym, Cambridgeshire.

“I hit him straightaway with some powerful shots and got him to the ground, where I finished it before the end of round one with a triangle submission,” added the young fighter.

“That means that I encircled the opponent’s neck and one of his arms with my legs in a triangle-shaped configuration.”

Rhys, who will be 18 in the summer, works at his gym as a junior MMA coach and one-to-one personal trainer.

“I started MMA because I always liked watching UFC fights and thought, why not give it a go, especially as there was a gym near me,” he added.

“I quickly fell in love with it and went on to win three of my five junior bouts.

“I train hard all year to be fully prepared for any contest that might be available. I’m just looking to be in action in the cage as often as possible.

“For all its fierce reputation, MMA has made me who I am. The sport has given me self-respect, confidence, discipline, and introduced me to so many amazing people.

“My family are my biggest supporters. They recognise how hard I work. They’ll support me as my career develops.”

Christian Smith, head coach at Resurrection MMA, commended Rhys on his achievement, saying: “He has a lot of talent, but works hard in the gym perfecting his skills. Rhys showed maturity in his debut fight, overcoming his opponent with technical precision.”

The Sutton gym is also delighted with the progress of 13-year-old Kaycie Eason and two older competitors, 19-year-old Travis Roe and Dorian Swiatkowski, 26.

Kaycie courageously took on an older, more experienced opponent and remained totally composed before and during the bout, showing that he belongs in the cage despite losing on a close decision.
Travis had a tough fight, getting caught in the first round that left him with an eye injury. He kept up the pressure, however, and gained valuable experience, winning the third round.

Dorian was on the main event against a high-level wrestler, who succumbed in the first round and tapped out when Dorian pinned him down.

Christian added: “All our athletes should be proud of their performance.”

Rhys thanked all his supporters, including his parents who transport him, and his coaches, Christian and Tim Butler.

“They put in the work to help us all level up every day in the gym and make these opportunities possible,” he added.

“And thanks to cornermen Corey, Millie and Luke for getting us ready and keeping the spirits high as we waited our turn in the cage.”

Rhys also expressed his gratitude to his sponsors for their generosity — Hungrilla, Pressure Performance, Rand Shotblasting, Fade House, My Fresh Active, and Gorilla Haus.

Potential future sponsors should message the fighter on Facebook, search for Rhys Lawrence; or Instagram; or email [email protected]

Resurrection MMA is on St Michael’s Street. For further information about classes or sponsorship, call 07813 775126 or message via Instagram at resurrectionmma