AN East Lancashire cage fighter has travelled half way around the world to show his support for troops in Afghanistan.

Clitheroe's Michael Bisping, one of the stars of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), flew out today to meet and greet the troops of the United States Military stationed in the war zone.

Bisping went on the trip with fellow UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) superstars BJ Penn, Urijah Faber and Carlos Condit.

The fighters will visit various units during the trip and will tour a total of six military bases.

UFC President Dana White said: "We are honored to send UFC and WEC fighters to visit the men and women of the United States Military.

"We are pleased to be giving back to such a great cause; many of our fighters have served in the military and understand what a great contribution our troops are making overseas."

Mr White said that both the UFC and WEC had a strong commitment to the men and women of the armed forces.

On December 13, 2006, the UFC held a special event at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in front of 3,000 soldiers. The organization also has a long running agreement with the Armed Forces Network and consistently visits the troops at various bases across the United States.

Special Sergeant Bart Murphy, of the 101st Airborne Division, said: "The US Military admires the sport of mixed martial arts. We will be pleased to welcome UFC and WEC legends to our bases in Afghanistan.

"Their presence will certainly help boost the morale of the soldiers which is so important during their duties overseas."

Bisping's father and three brothers have all, at some time or another, been member of the British Army.

The former Billington, St. Augustine's RC High School pupil joined UFC as a light heavyweight after winning its Ultimate Fighter reality TV show in 2006 - securing a $1m contract.

He has since dropped down to become a middleweight, winning his last fight at London's O2 Arena nine days ago.

He defeated Jason Day after just three minutes and 42 seconds of the first round, prompting experts to mark him as a future championship contender.