2 days ago
Pontypool MMA fighter makes international debut with Belgium fight
23-year-old Levi Batchelor is travelling to Belgium in pursuit of his MMA career.
The Pontypool local is, in his words, travelling to 'enemy territory' for a showdown against rival fighter Fahdi Khaled.
Levi has just signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League and Professional Fighters League Europe.
His Brussel's based fight is expected to attract at least 11,000 people.
Pontypool professional MMA fighter Levi Batchelor is travelling abroad for a fight (Image: Levi Batchelor) Speaking of his recent career jump Levi said: 'I'm feeling really excited actually. It's a big step up and I'm going over to enemy territory for this next fight.
'I'm up against a guy that's Belgium-Tunisian and a very experienced Mua Thai fighter and now he's taken on MMA.'
Levi first started his training in Shore Mixed Martial Arts, Llanhilleth.
He weighs in at 135 Pounds and is classed as 'bantamweight.'
So far, he's got an amateur record of ten wins and one loss and in his professional career he has two wins and is undefeated.
His opponent has the same professional record.
Pontypool professional MMA fighter Levi Batchelor is travelling abroad for a fight (Image: Levi Batchelor) Levi had the following to say to people considering getting into the sport.
'The hardest part is giving it a go, but it is just by having a go a lot of people find it quite daunting going into a sport that's deemed violent.
'I don't believe it had to be violent with mixed martial arts there's so many arts involved. I started with jujitsu. It boosts your confidence. It gives you sense of a hobby and finding a place that suites you.
"There's not one size fits all when it comes to coaching and gyms there's a place for everybody.'
A fight poster advertising the pro fight in Belgium (Image: Levi Batchelor) Levi shared how excited he is for his first professional fight.
'This is what I set out to do, fighting in front of big crowds and all the hard work's coming together.
'I'm just excited for it all to be honest. Already got quite a good number of Welsh fans travelling over for the event.'
