A fighter from Barnsley was one half of a bout chosen as Fight of the Night on a major northern show, as Callum Spencer made his MMA debut on BMF 16 staged at the Metrodome.
Callum Spencer's Journey to the Cage
Callum, a kickboxing and jiu-jitsu coach at Renowned Martial Arts, said: “I've been training for eight years. I started kickboxing at 13 and grappling at 17 and have competed all over England. I fell in love with combat sports as a teenager but also played football throughout my teens.”
He prepared for the MMA featherweight bout against Jack Onslow on BMF with intensive striking and grappling sessions at his own gym Renowned and at AVT in Leeds, which has a formidable reputation. “I was confident in my own abilities and knew that my opponent would be dangerous. MMA can be brutal. That’s what the fighters love, the chance to prove how tough you can be physically and mentally.”
Callum described the high-level amateur contest: “Our bout was the highest-level amateur with very little protection and no limits on strikes to the head even when down. I felt good during the fight and was aware of my mistakes and adapted accordingly.”
A Proud Performance Despite the Loss
Callum, who turns 22 soon, added: “I didn’t win the fight but I’m proud of my performance as we entertained the crowd countering each other in striking and wrestling and mixing skills throughout the three round nine-minute contest. Without shin guards we were bound to suffer leg injuries from kicking. Jack and I had a laugh afterwards about how each of us hurt the other’s legs with low kicks. Both of us enjoyed the sheer brutality of it and the courage we needed to demonstrate.”
Connor Halliday, who organises the BMF Bad Mofo shows, added: “Callum and Jack went for it all out and put on the most exhilarating display. They set the tone for the remainder of the show. We’ve received so many messages supporting this bout being Fight of the Night with the lads rewarded. Their fight showed everything MMA is about.”
Training and Future Plans
Callum highlighted the quality of his training environments: “Renowned Martial Arts is a high-level grappling gym led by Oliver Lovell. We’ve classes for all from beginners to professional grapplers. There’s a fantastic attention to detail which helps me improve. AVT offers everything you need to thrive in MMA, grappling, wrestling and striking. The ideal would be for me to have four MMA matches a year.”
He expressed determination after his debut: “Starting with a loss has made me determined to get the win next time. I was delighted with the accolade of Fight of the Night and the cash bonus it brought. I’d like to thank the BMF team and all who voted for us.”
As a coach, Callum encourages others: “I encourage others to become the best athlete possible and compete if they’re prepared to put in the work. I hope my performance encourages people and I’ll take their future success as a reward for my efforts.”
Acknowledgments and Upcoming Event
Callum added: “I’d like to thank Richard Dorlin and the D T Filling Station for their ongoing support. My dad and stepmom at MGM Training South Yorkshire give me constant support. I’m proud to promote their business. I’m also keen to thank R&C Construction and Ember & Feast for previous support. New potential sponsors can e-mail callumspencer04@outlook.com or contact via Instagram @callum.spencer_mma.”
Renowned Martial Arts is at Unit 8, Clayburn Road, S72 7FD. Call 07377 636218 to enquire about training there. BMF 17 takes place at Barnsley Metrodome July 25. Tickets can be purchased at www.badmofomma.com.
