‘I’ve trained for two years but only been competing for a few months,’ said King, 17, who is studying for a sports coaching qualification. ‘I’ve now won two of my three bouts and won’t to be in the cage as often as possible. In the cage it all depends on just me. I bought some MMA gloves and went almost by chance with a mate to Top Team and got hooked on it. I want to be the best, a household name even.’
The Yorkshire bout was the first for fellow seventeen-year-old and Oldham College student Musa Shahzad who also won his bout by unanimous decision beating Bradford’s Mohammed Zafar. ‘I’m not sure where this will end up,’ said Shahzad, ‘but I’ve gained confidence and am looking forward to being back in the cage quite soon.’
Carl Prince, 43, set up Manchester Top Team five years ago and has now been coaching a range of sports for over twenty years. Our purpose is to ensure that Greater Manchester has a professional MMA fight team that can take on the world’s best and we’ve welcomed fighters from across the north of England but also from countries as far apart as Spain, Brazil and the African nations of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. what keeps us together is the strong bond that we have as a team, irrespective of creed, intention or gender and it’s thrilling to see the progress made by young amateurs like Ben and Musa who are just starting out on what will hopefully be a successful journey in MMA. I’d also like to commend our pupil Ali Haidari who’s originally from Afghanistan now living in Middleton and who won his first MMA bout decisively.’
A former member of the British judo team and now a professional MMA fighter, George Smith at 30 is gym manager at Top Team. ‘We’ve 90 active fighters from amateurs to professional. Our evening sessions focus on amateurs from three years up. We have many champions but one who stands out is Lerone Murphy who is our team captain and one of the leading UFC stars. I’d describe him as the ultimate professional in MMA. sessions are focused on beginners - amateur. From 3 years old to 50 years old. We’re also proud of Lewis McGrillan from Wythenshawe who is a future MMA superstar.’
Prince and Smith are proud of ‘the alternative provision linked to the gym which provides education to children who wouldn't have a permanent place for schooling. We give them discipline and structure. Hopefully confidence to go and take on the world. Through martial arts which are great for building confidence and developing skills while making firm friendships. Top Team is a strong community who looks after each other and try to guide them down a positive path in the gym and in life. As boys like Ben and Musa are finding out.’
Manchester Top Team has two main sponsors, Morson Group and Prestige Carpet Clean. ‘We’re grateful for their ongoing generosity,’ said Prince. Our doors are open to all whether a person’s ambition is to compete or just keen fit and enjoy what’s on offer. Hence our gym slogan ‘One Team, One Dream.’
If wanting to train with Top Team or considering sponsoring, then contact ManchesterTopTeam on Instagram or by e-mail to contact@manchestertopteam.com or by calling 07380 380635.