It was a productive weekend for two brothers in the mixed martial arts world. David and Stephen Cunliffe from Aycliffe both entered the local mma Show held in Spennymoor where they have trained over the last couple of months.
David only took his fight at 2 weeks notice due to another opponent pulling out through injury. It was Stephen’s first semi professional fight and a chance to show how well he had come along in the short 10 months he’d participated in the sport.
Stephen displayed excellent composure and abilities during his 2×5 minute rounds but was matched against a much more experienced fighter he had fought 3 times at this level. Stephen lost his close fight by points after an outstanding display but will take the experience to his next fight next month.
David fought against an opponent from a well known gym in Sunderland with wrestling background. The fight lasted less than a minute after David knocked out his opponent with a nicely timed uppercut.
The brothers were offered another fight on the next show in September and as David has now beaten his last 3 opponents in the first round, he will face a much tougher match for the featherweight total combat title. The brothers said they wouldn’t be where they are now without their coach Martin Wilby who runs The Lab Gym in Darlington.
