THE man who helped Michael Bisping on the road to success is hoping to unearth another mixed martial arts champion.

Bisping, who is now one of the biggest stars in the Ultimate Fishting Championship (UFC), was once a member of the Burnley-based Black Knights Martial Arts Club - winning British titles under the guidance of coach Allan Clarkin.

Now Clarkin is hoping Ben Whitehead can follow in the footsteps of Bisping.

“Michael has been back to the gym on a number of occasions,” said Clarkin. “His hard work with his new camp and specialist coaches have been the reason for his rise in the UFC. It would be a dream come true to be on the UFC at any level.”

He added: “I have had fighters competing at world level in kick boxing and ju jitsu. So to compete in the UFC would complete my career as a coach.

“The only way that we will do this is for Ben to keep winning and growing as a MMA fighter.”

And so far, Whitehead is keeping his side of the bargain after winning his second pro MMA fight against the experienced German Marcus Grosse at the UCC North West event at The Ritz, Manchester.

The 32-year-old, with just two defeats from his 34 bouts, was expected to make a big impression in mixed martial arts having fought across Europe.

But Whitehead, 10 years his junior, showed that reputations counted for nothing as the Burnley fighter exchanged heavy blows with the German.

And it was Whitehead who emerged victorious, managing to turn a losing position in to a winning one, beating Grosse with an ankle lock.

“Michael was watching ring side and he said afterward that he thought Ben was a good fighter,” said Clarkin. “Praise indeed from the UFC man.”