Pics supplied by Mo Zubair
Erdington fighter Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair is looking to climb the ranks of professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), accepting the high profile bout with eight only days notice.
Mo is taking on hometown favourite Liam Thomas in Darlington tomorrow night (Saturday, 1 June) in what will be a massive jump in class from his first fight – where he beat Spain’s Nestor Santana on 2 March this year.
(Click here to read more on Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair’s first professional MMA fight.)
Mo is also jumping up a weight to share a ring with fancied feather weight Thomas.
However, a victory would accelerate Mo’s ascent to the top table of the sport – the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
To achieve his dream Mo will have to excel, excite, and impress in a succession of other MMA tournaments.
The 23-year-old told Erdington Local: “I am fighting in the Unity Fighting Championships against Liam Thomas.
“He is more experienced than me and had an impressive boxing career before switching to MMA.”
He added: “I took the fight with just eight days notice and I am going up a weight. But I am a full time professional fighter so I am fit enough to compete.”
Mo’s confidence stems from being a respected long-standing member of Team Renegade. The Northfield based MMA gym boasts a stable of fighters renowned across the world including UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, a fellow Erdingtonian.
He said: “I train with the best in the world, every day I am learning from the best and competing with the best.
“The Team Renegade mindset is a winning one, so of course I would accept a fight which will be massive for my career if I win.”
He added: “I will have Team Renegade cornermen with me for the fight, they have seen it all.”
Mo hit the weight ahead of the bout, tipping the scales at 65.8 kg and believes his eight day preparation might even give him the edge. He is also hopeful of any hometown support whilst fighting up north.
Mo added: “If there are any Brummies or Erdington people in and around Darlington then come down and support me!”
The Unity Fighting Championship is at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Saturday 1 June. Doors open at 6pm.
To follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram visit www.instagram.com/mozubairmma
For more on The Dolphin Centre visit www.facebook.com/HealthyDarlington