A novice mixed martial arts fighter, Alex Bramwell, has helped raise more than £11,000 for charity at an event in Leeds. Alex, 28, participated in an Ultra MMA show where novices train and then fight each other. He raised £290 for three charities: Mind, Medical Aid for Palestinians, and the Royal British Legion. Alex said, 'I wanted to help people facing mental health issues, as I have myself.'
Alex, who previously attended Manor School and York College, now works for online music retailer Gear4Music. He described the training as 'gruelling' but the atmosphere at the show as 'exhilarating'. He won against Luke Woodend, a 'physically well-built and fit Leeds lad', who has since become a friend.
Alex said, 'Everyone in the group got on well and it became tight knit. But that didn’t stop us from giving the opponent what for. That’s what we wanted and what the audience expected.' He added, 'The show was just fantastic and a fitting end to challenging training. I’d encourage anyone to get into combat sports whether it’s for fitness or competition as you learn transferable skills while developing confidence.'
Alex, Luke, and 32 others raised a total of £11,700 for their chosen 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 Ultra MMA's website.
