Two local young men are urging others to train for the next West Yorkshire charity MMA event following their own bouts in the octagon on the latest Ultra MMA show. Dominic Williams and Elliott Ripley completed eight weeks of basic training and raised significant amounts for charity before showing what they are made of in challenging fight action.
Dominic Williams: A Father's Journey
Hemsworth father-of-one Dominic Williams had been involved in combat sports, including kickboxing, and was delighted to win his first Ultra MMA bout last year. He wanted to taste the exhilaration of the cage once more. The twenty-three-year-old now wants to build his future around MMA and use Ultra to establish himself as a fully-fledged amateur fighter working towards becoming a professional fighter. He stated, "I am fully committed to that end goal although I did not win this time, getting caught in the last few seconds of a brutal encounter with ultra hard lad Harrogate's Michal Zdunek."
Dominic has spent considerable time watching and studying the sport. He explained, "MMA keeps me focused, grounded, disciplined and able to avoid distractions. I am also motivated to succeed by being a dad and balancing that with working as a chef." Dominic raised funds for mental health charity Mind. He shared, "I have seen the impact of mental health struggles first-hand. I have lost friends and sadly also my mum who passed away following mental health issues worsened by alcohol abuse. MMA is therapeutic for me as it allows me to raise awareness and possibly be a role model for others struggling with mental health and addiction and especially for my young son."
He added, "I am in Ultra MMA to move forward and show I belong in professional MMA. Whatever the reasons motivating you to take part, I would encourage both men and women to get stuck in and make a better version of themselves."
Elliott Ripley: A Teen's Success
Elliott, 18, who lives near Wakefield city centre and works as an apprentice plumbing, heating and gas engineer, said, "The training was fun. I did not find it too strenuous, but you do have to commit to it. In the first session you do not know anyone, so it is a bit daunting, but everybody is sound, and you soon make good mates. One of whom I then knocked out in the first round, having caught him with a powerful left-hand punch. I was as pleased as punch."
Elliott had previously dabbled in combat sports. He recommends Ultra MMA to everyone from all backgrounds. "It is a great way for a boy in his late teens like me to start adult life. I had attended a show and thought this looks good. I could do it. Now I have. The aim is to raise money for charity, and I have supported the Dogs Trust as I believe animals should be cared for properly." The training also teaches self-defence, and it is free. At the end of it you get to have it out with one of your new mates. He is now looking forward to doing more MMA and making his charity boxing debut shortly.
Parental Support
Lana Reed, Elliott's mother, said, "My son is strong-willed. I was nervous about him fighting in the cage, but he utilised his skills and he brought along a lot of supportive friends and family who were proud to see him win. Elliott is physically fit and this did him good. I would encourage any parent to support their son or daughter with Ultra combat sports events."
Charity Impact and Future Events
Elliott and Dominic were among 34 novice MMA fighters who raised £11,700 for a range of charities. Ultra MMA returns to the Village Hotel Leeds North on November 28 with training beginning in September. Competitors must be aged 18 or older on the date training starts. Sign up at the Ultra MMA website.
