Sunderland lads flying the flag for England on the global MMA stage
“The gym is such a hotbed of talent”
Two teenage boys have competed against some of the world’s best fighters as they fly the flag for England in what’s regarded as the Olympics of the MMA world.
Sandhill View pupil Nate Fisher, 15, and Joseph Robson, 15, who attends Venerable Bede School, have just returned from Abu Dhabi where they competed for their country at the IMMAFs, which stands for International Mixed Martial Arts Federation championships.
The promising MMA athletes both fight out of TFT gym in Seaham - which has produced some of the region’s best fighters, who’ve fought in UFC, KSW and multiple national, European and world championships - and were both chosen for the Team England youth squad.
Coach and fighter Katrina Fisher, herself a bantamweight IMMAF European and World champ, says it was a great experience for the teenagers as they hone their skills in the octagon.
“Nate had only had two fights before this as he struggles to get fights because he’s so tall,” said Katrina who is married to Nate’s dad and fellow coach, Andrew Fisher.
“But although he lacks the experience, he doesn’t lack the skills. He went out there and submitted them one after the other. He took out some of the toughest countries, like Georgia and Russia.
“He went into the competition with a record of only 1-1, then reached the final against the reigning three-time world champion from Tajikistan.
“He won silver, performed tremendously and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Fellow competitor Joseph also did incredibly well in the global spotlight.
“He did brilliantly, finishing his first opponent and winning the second fight by decision before losing to a strong athlete from Team Georgia.
“Even though he lost in that final fight, he showed some really strong technique. His family also came out to support him, which is great to see. Because MMA is not recognised by Sport England, it means everything is self-funded by the families for these young fighters.”
Katrina added: “An event like this is so much to ask of the boys as they’re not just fighting anybody, they’re fighting the best in the world.”
And it isn’t just the young guns from the Seaham gym who are excelling in the sport.
This November, four men from the gym will be heading to Georgia to compete in the Junior & Senior IMMAF World championships.
Stepping into the octagon for the adult Team England squad will be: Cameron Robson, Brad Brown, Simone Abley and Blake Gallimore.
“The gym is such a hotbed of talent and we’re so proud of their achievements,” added Katrina.