Mixed bag for local fighters (From Swindon Advertiser)

Mixed bag for local fighters

9:30am Saturday 28th February 2009

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MIXED Martial Arts made its bow in Swindon last Saturday and the three local favourites on the bill all went home undefeated - albeit in very different circumstances.

Paul Payne did it the traditional way on his debut, knocking out Marc Clark within two minutes of the first round.

Gary Watson won via disqualification after an outlawed move from opponent Aaron Lambourne.

But heavyweight Dave Gregory had the easiest night of all after his scheduled rival Finbar McCarthy failed to get the all clear following a pre-fight medical.

Pro Kumite promoter Rich Austin said: “Dave Gregory’s fight was cancelled due to his opponent having too high blood pressure and Gary won by disqualification as his opponent put on an illegal neck crank.

“Paul Payne, another Swindon lad, did very well on his debut.”

There were a total of nine MMA bouts on the night and a solitary kickboxing match.

Austin is planning to put on another show in the town in July after satisfactory ticket sales given the short amount of selling time and the fact there was a televised Ultimate Fighting Championship event competing for the casual MMA fan on the same evening.

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