A teenager from Old Swan is celebrating becoming the European champion of a major northern MMA promotion. Kai Armitage won his 60kg title belt on the Bradford show Combat Challenge 33, which featured nearly forty junior and adult bouts in a variety of combat sports, but mainly MMA.
“I’m delighted to have won this belt,” said seventeen-year-old college student Kai, who trains at Aspire Combat Sports Academy in Stoneycroft. “I defeated Sam Lynch, a tough opponent from Ireland. We hopefully put on a show that we can be proud of. At least that’s what my supporters are telling me.”
“I was on this show a couple of years ago and have been looking for a match up for ages, so was keen to get in that cage and showcase all the skills I’ve been practising. That’s what I did to get the win, which came by armbar stoppage. It’s a move which forces a submission, which is of course the aim of MMA.”
Promoter Praises Fighters
Saif Khan, 56, is the promoter behind Combat Challenge. The former MMA competitor and coach retired from West Yorkshire Police in 2020. “We’re proud of Kai and Sam, indeed of everyone who competed in exciting bouts against tough opponents. Combat Challenge has always taken matching up seriously throughout the fifteen years we’ve been organising shows. This is what makes for exciting and exhilarating events that allow the fighters as elite athletes to showcase how they are developing skill and talent through dedication and commitment in their respective gyms.”
Kai’s Ambitions
“I wouldn’t want to live without MMA,” said Kai. “I’ve trained for five years and have won six bouts with one loss. I’m the three times British champion at my weight on Liverpool’s Raw MMA promotion. I was part of Team England attending the 2025 IMAAF youth championships in Abu Dhabi. Like most young amateur fighters, my ambition is the UFC.”
How You Can Support Kai
To achieve his ambition, Kai needs sponsorship. If potentially able to offer funding, contact Kai directly via Instagram @kaiarmitage_ or e-mail kaiarmitage09@gmail.com.
