Two young men from Rochdale are making the most of their student life at a Leeds university, having recently demonstrated that students can be just as tough and courageous as anyone else. Joe Lewis, 20, and Jayden Hughes, 19, committed to an eight-week MMA training regimen before stepping into the cage for charity fights at an event organized by Ultra MMA.
Joe Lewis: From Music Production to MMA
Joe Lewis, a music production student at Leeds Beckett University who also works part-time at Rochdale AFC, explained that this was his second appearance with Ultra MMA. "I had never participated in any combat sports before signing up with Ultra last year for an exciting challenge. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends in Leeds. The training and participation greatly benefited my mental health, so I committed to training for a second fight."
Joe trained at Bad Company, an MMA gym highly respected across the North of England. "Training was grueling in its intensity but very satisfying. I left each session feeling like a better man. The coaches pushed us hard for our own benefit, creating a highly positive atmosphere of mutual encouragement, as we were all novices in the same boat. Fight night came around quickly, and the atmosphere in the cage was electric. My fight against a confident opponent from Bradford was brutal and bloody, and I am thrilled to have secured the win."
Joe chose to support the Alzheimer's Society, a cause close to his heart because his grandfather was affected by the disease. "This illness could affect me one day. I think about this quite often and hope that medical advances will spare future generations from the suffering caused by this degenerative condition."
Jayden Hughes: Proving He Has the Guts
Jayden Hughes, a former student of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and now a chemistry student at the University of Leeds, raised £180 for the British Heart Foundation, which has provided ongoing support to a friend's family. "A close friend fought on the show last November. The atmosphere was incredible, and I signed up on the spot to have fun and prove that I had the courage needed."
Jayden described his training experience as bittersweet. "A hard session might seem endless, but it is rewarding because afterward you know you have learned a new technical skill. Sessions start with the basics of MMA, and new techniques are added progressively to suit novice participants. I impressed myself with the progress I made. You have to put in the effort by diving headfirst into training and making MMA your priority for the eight weeks."
Although Jayden did not win his fight, he emphasized the value of the experience. "Regardless of who wins, everyone benefits from the experience. I agree with Joe about how supportive everyone is, sharing a common goal and developing a sense of community."
Fundraising Success
Joe and Jayden were among 34 novice MMA fighters who collectively raised £11,700 for a variety of charities. Those interested in Ultra MMA in Greater Manchester can visit their website for more information. Training for the next event begins on May 25, with the show scheduled for Saturday, July 18. Participants must be at least 18 years old when training starts. Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
