UK MMA News

‘The City of Discovery’ Dundee hosts United Combat Championship

Peter Knox

June 13, 2017

With UFC Glasgow just around the corner, fight fans around Scotland are excited to see some of the world’s best MMA fighters in action. But three weeks before stars such as Stevie Ray and Joanne Calderwood make their mark in front of their home fans in Glasgow, another event will be taking place just up the road in Dundee, displaying some up and coming talent in MMA, K1 and Boxing.

United Combat Championship – UCC will be taking place on Saturday 24^th June at the Dundee Ice Arena and is shaping up be a great event.

Brown belt, BJJ Lightweight British Champion and Gracie Barra Fife owner Darren Clark has teamed up with Dundee’s very own veteran K1 fighter and owner of Navarro’s Fitness & Fighting Gym Marc Navarro to present Dundee with its biggest combat event to date.

Some local talent will be on show with Kevin Loban scheduled to make his 2^nd pro MMA fight and Marc Navarro himself will be headlining the event in a K1 bout against Mickael Brilling. Anyone lucky enough to see the first fight between these two warriors will understand why this fight has gained the nickname – ‘Blood Bath Part 2’. The 1st bloody battle between the two can be viewed on YouTube and is worth checking out.

I managed to catch up with Darren to discuss the upcoming UCC event where he told me how the idea came to fruition between him and Marc, he said;

“The idea came about when I was drafted in to teach BJJ at Marc Navarro’s Gym. The programme took off well, then myself and Marc were talking and realised we could work well as partnership putting together a show.

He has promoted previous shows in Dundee and I have promoted previous events in Fife, so it made complete sense.”

Darren previously promoted ‘Art of Combat’ events that were held in Dunfermline, Fife. If you ever attended one of these events, you will know first-hand how well they were run and fans were never left disappointed with the fights on show.

Darren is convinced this show has all the potential to be massive and between him and Marc no stone has been left unturned in their preparation.

“We promise the fans a massive event and they won’t be disappointed. For the last 3-5 months we have been working closely with the Head of Dundee Ice Rink to get this correct. We have marketed the event like no other and have some things planned for the spectators that I have never seen done before at an event. I think this will benchmark the future of MMA events if I’m honest.”

“Tickets are selling well; the interest seems to be very good, so fingers crossed this gets the support it needs and we can put on future events.

All will be trialled and tested on this event, so make sure you are there and don’t miss out.”

With less than two weeks until the event, Marc and Darren have worked tirelessly to make sure fans will go home with a smile on their face.

The success of these events play a massive part in the future of Scottish Martial Arts, whether it be in boxing, K1 or MMA. Without these platforms to showcase new upcoming talent, we would have no Stevie Rays, Joanne Calderwood or boxers like Josh Taylor flying the flag for Scotland and Britain at the pinnacle of their chosen sport. So make sure you get along and show your support for what is shaping up to be an epic event.

Tickets can still be Purchased from either Darren Clark at Gracie Barra Fife, Marc Navarro at Navarro’s Fitness and Fighting Gym in Dundee or from any of the fighters on the card. Only £25 or pay at the door for £35. If interested in a ring side table, get in contact with one of the guys regarding availability.

UCC – UNITED COMBAT CHAMPIONSHIP

CONFIRMED BOUTS;

60 kg MMA bout – Kieran Laidlaw (Shooters Dundee) v Henman Mohamed (New Life Gym)

70kg MMA bout – Stuart Carrol (Shooters Dundee) v Mark Moreland (HOP Carnoustie)

66kg MMA bout – Valentine Duke (Team Unity) v Dane Dickson (Shooters Dundee)

90kg Boxing bout – Neil Petrie (Navarro’s) v Ross Convery (Kirkintilloch BC)

62kg MMA bout – Ryan Harrower (Team Unity) v Brent Battley (HOP mma)

63kg K1 bout – Chrisy Whiteman (Highlanders) v Kyle Murray (TNT)

85kg Boxing bout Davie Drummond (Navarro) v Dan Lennon (Spenny Gym)

70kg Boxing bout Si McColl (Glasgow Fitness) v Andrew Finlayson (Kirkintilloch BC)

66kg MMA bout – Daniel Glenday (HOP mma) v Damon Donald (ACC)

76kg Boxing Bout – Miller Ross (Navarro’s) v Adam Kerr (Urban G)