WITH a growing interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) on the Isle of Wight local fans crammed into a Newport venue for the launch of the much-vaunted Island Fight League (IFL).   

GG's Bar and Restaurant, at the Island Riding Centre in Staplers Road, played host to the first MMA event of its kind on the Island on Saturday. 

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IFL 1 did not disappoint.

Isle of Wight County Press: The first edition of the Island Fight League rang up plenty of successes.The first edition of the Island Fight League rang up plenty of successes. (Image: Mike Swift)

Isle of Wight County Press: MMA flyweight champion Will 'Pitbull' Perrin on the attack in the Island Fight League.MMA flyweight champion Will 'Pitbull' Perrin on the attack in the Island Fight League. (Image: Mike Swift)

With 11 evenly-matched bouts — under submission only (SO), MMA, Muay Thai and K1 (kickboxing) rules — the crowd were given a real treat. 

On the bill were eight fighters from Ryde-based Brotherhood MMA.

The card also featured two mouthwatering MMA title fights.

Brotherhood's Corey Kent competed in two SO grappling matches — winning both by a ''rear naked choke' chokehold. 

The club's Lloyd Williams faced tough opponent, Tyler James (JM MMA/Be Fit) — beating him with a first round technical knockout. 

Isle of Wight County Press: Will Perrin has his opponent in big trouble as the ref intervenes. Will Perrin has his opponent in big trouble as the ref intervenes. (Image: Mike Swift)

Isle of Wight County Press: The losing opponent in the MMA flyweight title bout sportingly puts the champion's belt on Will Perrin.The losing opponent in the MMA flyweight title bout sportingly puts the champion's belt on Will Perrin. (Image: Mike Swift)

Isle of Wight County Press: Will Perrin with his flyweight belt.Will Perrin with his flyweight belt. (Image: Mike Swift)

The Island's Niko Shelley took on Mason Smith (NGMA) in another SO grappling match, which ended all square.

Next up was Brotherhood's Charlie Toogood, who faced highly-rated Frankie Connery (GK1 Striking).

After a back-and-forth K1 bout — K1 being a fast-paced, modern style of kickboxing — Frankie won with a technical knockout 61 seconds into Round 3. 

Making his MMA debut, Harry Spinks made an impression against the 5kg heavier Mitchell Powell (Hoddesdon Muay Thai).

Isle of Wight County Press: Connor Tymon with the MMA welterweight title belt and his disappointed opponent from Scotland.Connor Tymon with the MMA welterweight title belt and his disappointed opponent from Scotland. (Image: Mike Swift)

Isle of Wight County Press: Connor Tymon enjoys the moment after winning the welterweight belt.Connor Tymon enjoys the moment after winning the welterweight belt. (Image: Mike Swift)

After a tough first round, the Islander pulled it back in the next two to win by a unanimous decision — this after taking on the fight on five days' notice.

Islander, Thomas Lee, fought incredibly strong opponent, Dan James (Rogue MMA) — succumbing by 'ground and pound' in the opening round. 

The 'ground and pound' technique is where the opponent is forced down, asserting a dominant position from which to throw punches and other strikes to the head or body.

Up next were the two title fights.

Will Perrin had a tough match-up with Svetlozar Benev (Predators MMA) — described by organisers as "an absolute war" — taking victory with a referee stoppage in Round 4, to claim the IFL flyweight belt.

Finally,Connor Tymon faced Anas Nfaou (Submission Factory), who travelled from Scotland at short notice, and it proved to be an incredible fight.

After five hard-fought rounds, the judges were unanimous in crowning Brotherhood's Connor as IFL welterweight champion.