GARY Turland is hoping to build on the global success of mixed martial arts as he prepares to host Swindon’s third Raged UK event.

MECA will host the show in February and Turland is expecting a big following the recent high-profile fights involving Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey.

“After the success of the last two shows, everything went completely viral and we have had more than two million hits around the world,” he said.

“Our show has gone from something small and has really grown into something that is hopefully a nationwide event.

“The popularity and the following is growing, so we want to further this success and take it one step further.

“It is the fastest-growing sport in the world and the success globally means it is just growing and growing.

“Some of the big names like Connor McGregor, are paving the way for other shows and other fighters to come through.

“Ronda Rousey as well, with her high-profile fights and high-profile loss, has given women great exposure in the sport as well.”

Swindon’s Alex Brunnnen will be the headline event as he takes on Guy Lewis for the vacant Raged Lightweight title.

Meanwhile, Lewis’ fiancée LJ Adams will be taking on Emma Delaney on the same show as the organisers put on the first professional female women’s fight in Swindon.

“They are chalk and cheese, these guys,” added Turland when discussing the main event.

“Guy Lewis is very respectable and a real gentleman but he is very technically gifted in the cage. Alex Brunnen is more colourful and quite brash and he talks the game up and sells the show.

“However, Alex already holds a victory over him some years back when they were both starting out as professionals and they both won their eliminators to set up this fight. You know that you are in for a treat.”

Tickets for the event on Saturday, February 27, cost £20 or £40 VIP, and are available from all fighters, The Forum, The Khyber, Dream Lounge or www.swindontickets.co.uk. Tickets can also be purches by calling the ticket hotline on 07421101184.