Forty competitors – including several from around Europe – will feature in Strike and Submit 5 at the Lancastrian Suite at the Federation Brewery in Gateshead.

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MMA matches fighters of different disciplines, such as karate, judo, boxing and wrestling against each other in three, five minute rounds.
Promoter Michael Surtees is looking forward to an action-packed bill in one of the fastest-growing sports in England,

"It's going to be another fantastic night for fight fans," Surtees said. "We've got fighters travelling from as far away as Italy for this one.

"Strike and Submit is established now with quality martial artists. People are phoning me all the time to be on the bill," he added. "The BBC programme Inside Out are coming as they are following some of the fighters."

They will be plenty of local rivalry at stake when Chris Scott, 25, from Sillksworth, representing Sunderland Combat Forum and with a record of one defeat in seven fights, will battle for the Strike and Submit semi-professional middleweight title against Newcastle's Rob Mills.

Washington's Dave Metcalf competes for the vacant Strike and Submit British light-heavyweight title against Yorkshire's Mark Spencer.

After an impressive knockout in his last fight, Sunderland's Brian Muckles takes on Doncaster's Ian Tobell in a middleweight contest.

Youngster Ryan Scope, 15, from Chester-le-Street, who has won 10 of his 11 fights, takes on Josh Williams, from Morcambe, for the Strike and Submitt Junior Amateur title.

Consett professional Darren Towler, who is trained by Sunderland's MMA legend Ian Freeman, takes on Richie Moore from Dublin, for the Strike and Submit Super-Heavyweight title.

Headlining the night will be the fight for the Strike and Submit Britsh Welterweight title when Newcastle's Peter Irving defends his title against Lee Doski from Cambridge.

Surtees is expecting a great contest between the two fighters. "This is a grudge fight," he said, "Doski was the champion, but had to give his belt up due to an injury. Now, he's determined to get his belt back."

With 20 fights, including seven professionals – and Ian Freeman once again hosting the night in his own unique way – Strike and Submit promises to be an explosive night.

Tickets range from £25 to £500 for a VIP table of 10 and are available from Michael Surtees on 0772 3079173.