Gomersal teenager Max Holdsworth continues to build MMA success with Yorkshire title win
Gomersal’s teenage MMA fighter Max Holdsworth clinched the Combat Challenge under 52kg junior Yorkshire title on the Bradford-based promotion’s recent show held at the Cedar Court Hotel.
A unanimous decision points victory over Jacob Baldwin gave Max a fine victory, writes James Bovington.
“I’m pleased with this win and the points I scored for takedowns and attempts to gain a submission, although I need to work harder on these to achieve the submission and not just attempt,” he said.
"Jacob was a quality opponent, fit and strong and a little older than me.
"I love being in the cage showcasing skills we’ve practised. I’m 14 at present but like all of us juniors we’re looking forward to shots and strikes to the head once we turn 16, although elbows will wait until we’re professional fighters. That’s my long-term goal.”
Max trains at the AVT gym in Morley. Last year he brought home a silver from the IMAAF youth tournament in Abu Dhabi and just a few months ago he came back from the IMAAF European championships held in the Serbian capital Belgrade with a gold in his category.
MMA fighter Ocean Davies is a senior member of the AVT Youth Academy. He said: “Max challenges all the younger fighters to work harder during training.
"He’s highly disciplined and has already achieved a lot for AVT including winning the European Championship. Max is an outstanding fighter who’ll end up on big promotions as he fulfils his dream of becoming an MMA world champion.”
“Max trains up to 10 hours a week with a minimum of five sessions weekly at the AVT Youth Academy,” said Uncle Matt Holdsworth who accompanied his nephew to the Bradford bout.
“This was a brilliant entertaining combat between two young boys whose lives centre around success in MMA. Max just wants to have as many bouts as possible and be out frequently to show continuous improvement.
“All his family are proud of what he’s achieved so far and what is yet to come.”
Saif Khan, 56, is the promoter behind Combat Challenge. The former MMA competitor and coach retired from West Yorkshire Police in 2020.
He added: “We’re proud of Max and Jacob, indeed of everyone who competed in exciting bouts against tough opponents.
"Combat Challenge has always taken matching up seriously as this makes for exciting and exhilarating events that allow these elite athletes to showcase developing skill and talent through dedication and commitment at their gyms.”