Mixed martial arts enthusiasts, from seasoned professionals to absolute beginners, competed in a mass showdown in front of cheering crowds - all for a good cause.
Ultra MMA opened for one night only at Liverpool Olympia on Friday, December 16, on a mission to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Bradley Rice, 24, from Kirkby, was one of 40 participants who took part in a gruelling eight-week fitness course at Four Corners Gym to prepare him for the big night.
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He said: "Eight weeks of training was tough graft. I've been doing all sorts of mixed martial arts - ju jitsu, boxing, wrestling, the works. I've done a bit of boxing here and there, kick-boxing when I was younger, but MMA not so much because it's a wide range of different things. I won't say it's been easy. It's been really challenging, but it's all for a great cause.
"There's certain people who have got more experience, but the fights go off ability and weight, so a beginner wouldn't get matched with someone who had been doing it for years.
"They're all sound lads and a few girls as well; it's been really rewarding training with them and a difficult but fun learning experience for the past eight weeks."
Bradley, a dad of one, was inspired to take part in the competition in memory of his uncle, Ian, who lost his life to cancer last year.
He said: "Cancer Research UK itself is a big charity; everyone knows the great work they do. For years now they've been helping people, and so I wanted to do what I can to do my bit to help.
"I know friends who have lost people to cancer. It affects them massively. It affects their everyday lives; they've got to go on living without the people they love."
His friend Kevin Williams added: “We are incredibly proud of Bradley. We have seen first-hand how hard he has worked in training in preparation for the big event and cause."
The Ultra MMA Liverpool show raised more than £8,600 for Cancer Research through sponsorship money alone, with more cash coming in from ticket sales.
It will go towards the group's ultimate goal of raising £50m for the charity, which is the world's largest independent cancer research organisation and provides funding to scientists, doctors and nurses. So far, Ultra MMA has raised £1,907,767 through various events, bringing in 91,105 donations across the board.
A Cancer Research UK spokesman told the charity: “Everyone at Cancer Research UK appreciates the amazing support the Ultra MMA team provide us. Every person that has taken part and raised money has made a huge difference. Raising an incredible £1,907,767 is a fantastic achievement and one that will help save lives, and beat cancer sooner. Ultra MMA are an incredibly valued supporter of the charity and we are extremely grateful to the team and all the participants involved”
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