Manuwa at home as the headline act

06 May 2009

Jimi Manuwa

JIMI MANUWA has pledged to live up to his reputation as one of Britain's most promising cage fighters by lifting his first professional MMA title at the Troxy on Saturday night.

Manuwa, nicknamed Poster Boy, faces Ryan Robinson for the Ultimate Challenge UK light-heavyweight championship in the headline bout on UCUK's Relentless show at the Stepney venue.

And despite joining the pro ranks just 12 months ago, Manuwa is confident he will extend his unbeaten run against MMA veteran Robinson and secure a top-10 spot in the British rankings.

He said: "I've been working extra hard because it's my first title fight, but I feel really confident. With the amount of training I put in, every time I step into the cage I feel like I can't be beaten.

"Ryan Robinson has been in the game for years and he's gone against some top competition in the past, but I'm looking to make a statement in this fight. I've only been fighting a year, and I've destroyed everyone I've fought."

The unbeaten 29-year-old, who trains under Team 187 boss Joe Mac and also represents Epsom outfit Nova Forca, has won three of his four pro fights inside the opening round, while Robinson boasts seven wins from 13 contests.

Tickets for Ultimate Challenge UK's Relentless show at the Troxy, 490 Commercial Road on Saturday (5pm) are available at www.ucuk.tv.