A PROFESSIONAL Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter from Accrington is opening a ‘school of excellence’ in the town which he hopes will boost martial arts nationally.

Bantamweight fighter, Ian Entwistle, 28, has fought professionally for UFC in the USA and New Zealand, winning nine of his 11 bouts.

The England Top Team gym is set to open in premises next to the old Empire Bingo in Blackburn Road.

It will host a launch event featuring several fights on Saturday and will open its doors to members on Monday, November 9.

Ian, a former Hollins High School pupil who has recently returned to Accrington after two years living and training in Thailand, is looking to evolve the sport of mixed martial arts, and is sure Accrington can be the hub.

As well as being the gym where Ian will train for his UFC fights run, it will also be a mixed martial arts school of excellence.

He said: “I intend it to be a place where people can reach elite level but I can guarantee it will be a welcoming place for all levels.

“I am bringing in American all-state wrestler and former Phuket Top Team head coach Eric Uresk to teach wrestling.

“Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Flavio Carvalho is on board as well as fellow UFC fighter Vaughan Lee as a striking coach and myself as the MMA and leg lock coach.

“I am also building a kid’s academy shaped similar to a football ‘School of Excellence’ format.

“Talented kids will train for free and work with all the coaching staff.

“When they get to the age of 16 if they are good enough they will be paid a YTS salary to train as a professional fighter.”

Ian certainly has high ambitions for the gym.

He added: “I’ve been all around the world training at really high level gyms and I know what is required to be the best gym in the world and I think I can build it.

“Obviously with me getting my performance bonuses, things like that, I want to build it in my own country and I want to build it in my own town. I want to give people the chance I’ve had.”

The event on Saturday, featuring cage fighting and boxing, begins at 7pm and tickets are available from 07704 510791.