MIXED martial arts is being taken to the next level in Swindon as promoter Gary Turland prepares to put on his second event.

Turland has teamed up again with former fighter Michael ‘Oz’ Osbourne to organise the second Raged UK MMA event following the success of the inaugural show earlier in the year.

“This is the second show and we are trying to grow the Raged show,” said Turland ahead of the event, which is set to take place at MECA on Saturday, August 1.

“It is getting a lot bigger. Before it was Swindon and very much local gyms around the area but now we are getting people from up and down the country.

“We’ve been contacted by some of the top professional coaches around, looking to get their pro fighters, as well as their amateur fighters, on.

“This is the second show in and we are already making amazing progress.

“I think it is different. There is no MMA around at the moment, not an awful lot in the south west but we have it on our doorstep.”

Among the fighters on the bill are Swindon’s Phil Wells, who will be fighting Dan Edwards, as well as the exciting Alex Brunnen and Craig Rawlins, with Turland expecting a step up in standard with four title eliminator fights.

“Everybody has upped the ante and the level is a better quality. There are better records, tougher fights and tougher opponents,” added Turland, who is already looking ahead to the third event.

“Phil Wells is a very popular guy from Swindon and he is going to be great on this show. He stopped his last four or five opponents by knockout in the first round.

“I just want to take the chance to say a big thanks to everyone supporting us. It couldn’t be possible without all of the sponsors but also the people who have come along to the show and supported us.”

Tickets cost £20 or £40 VIP, and are available from all fighters, The Forum, The Khyber, Dream Lounge or www.swindontickets.co.uk.