Two-time world champion Andy Young will turn his hands to promoting this weekend when he helps host a major MMA event in Co Down.
Saturday's Fit2Fight show will feature 20 fights with two belts on the line and shine a spotlight on some exciting young fighters who are making their mark in combat sports.
The event is being organised by Young and former Irish amateur champion Arnaud dos Santos who run Hybrid MMA in Bangor.
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The pair ran a successful pilot event back in April and have stepped it up another level for Saturday night's show, with the event set to showcase male and female fighters at all levels.
"It has been a bit different trying to organise something like this, compared to fighting," Young told Belfast Live.
"Arnaud and I run the Hybrid Mixed Martial Arts in Bangor and we basically set this show up. We ran our first show back in April, just as a trial to see how we got on.
"It was the first event of its kind in North Down and proved a massive success and was a total sell-out. We had lots of great competitors, and it was mostly grassroots MMA.
"We shone a spotlight on a lot of local talent and gave them an opportunity to compete. And from that success we have decided to run another event this Saturday night."
This weekend's Fit2Fight showpiece will feature fighters from the Hybrid gym alongside a number of international competitors. There will also be a four-man tournament on the same night alongside separate title fights for amateurs.
"The momentum has just been building since the last event so this will be bigger. We have all different categories, male and female, and we have even have teenagers competing," added Young, who is currently recovering from surgery after suffering a serious hamstring injury earlier this year.
"Obviously it is a different rule set, but this gives them the opportunity to compete in front of a big crowd. After everything that has happened with Covid and everything else, young people need something like this to vent their frustrations
"MMA and martial arts has always been a very positive influence on many people's lives. And now they have the opportunity to compete on a show and achieve something.
"The sport now is giving teenagers the opportunity to compete in world championships and things like that. One of the competitors fighting this weekend was recently competing in Dubai, so it shows you the opportunities out there.
"We are just happy to have a local show to give our team an opportunity, and also give the other competitors a chance to perform.
"We have great novice fighters and amateurs as well, so there is a great selection."
Young, who has performed at the highest level in MMA, believes this weekend's event will help shine a spotlight on the young fighters making their mark in his Hybrid Gym, and also the visiting athletes who will compete.
"From my own background, it is great to give these young fighters this opportunity. I wish I had something like this when I was a teenager," the 32-year-old said.
"I started the sport when it really wasn't a major thing and people looked down on it. Now it is more mainstream which is great, and there are some big opportunities out there for young fighters.
"I am really excited for them, and the level is going through the roof now. That level will only step up in years to come. And I can see Irish and UK mixed martial arts going through the roof. We are already beating the Americans and Brazilians, so we are hanging with the best in the world."
Young believes the emergence of MMA in Northern Ireland can be put down to our "fighting spirit", with graft and resilience part of our DNA.
"I think it's just that fighting spirit. It is in our blood," he added.
"We have had a great wave of boxers coming from the island, and now it has translated across different combat sports.
"In previous years we didn't really have Brazilian jiu jitsu or wrestling at a decent level, but that has stepped up and the kids are getting coached properly.
"And there are coaches like myself, a two-time world champion, who can pass that onto the next generation. I have travelled all over the world and competed, we have had fighters in the UFC like my teammate Rhys McKee, and now the teenagers are getting the chance to learn from the best.
"And having those guys to look up just reinforces the message that anything is possible. There is something in the water here that gives you that competitiveness."
The Fit2Fight show is taking place in Bangor this Saturday the Elite Centre in Bloomfields. Doors open at 4pm and first fight is at 5pm.
The show will also be streamed live on the link HERE costing £5.50. Cage Warriors champion Rhys McKee will be helping out with commentary duties.
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