A MIXED martial arts club formed just over two years ago has won its second successive national title.

East Lancs Predators regained the UK MMA League crown at David Beckham’s Football Academy in Greenwich – the final of four legs held across the country.

The Accrington-based club travelled down to London in pole position, with only Total Dojo from Milton Keynes threatening them for top spot.

And despite a problem with the venue – fighters having to use mats rather than the usual cage – the Predators were in top form to regain their team crown as well as pick up two individual titles.

Kris Leeson, 16, won the youth section while Steve Brunt clinched the light heavyweight title to go with the heavyweight crown he won 12 months ago.

Leeson (armbar) and Brunt (head and arm choke) both won on the day and accumulated enough wins over the season to take their respective titles.

Coaches Rob Freedman and Ian Longson was delighted with the efforts of their fighters.

“We have only been active for he just over two years but we are starting to gain a good reputation for producing good fighters – from amateur level right the way through to professional,” said Freedman.

“We have won the largest amatuer club title for the past two years which is a big achieve-ment for a fledgling club.”

The club is made up of fighters mainly from Accrington, Blackburn, Great Harwood and Rawtenstall.