The Almighty Fighting Championship is coming to the Eventim Olympia next month, with local fighter Connor Hughes set to defend his AFC lightweight title against Cage Warriors Academy champion and fellow Liverpudlian Marcus Lewis.
The AFC brand, which usually hosts shows in Yorkshire, will bring the show to Liverpool on May 25 in order to branch out while still promoting new, up and coming talent.
Co-founder, Ray Thompson, says that AFC is designed to help young fighters realise their potential and to see if they have what it takes to be the next Jon Jones or Conor McGregor.
Thompson also believes that Liverpool is the ideal place to bring such an event, due to the city maintaining strong links with MMA.
He explained: "The city has a great MMA history with a number of fighters competing in the UFC, with one of them, Darren Till competing for a UFC title.
"I've been to shows in Liverpool before and the level of talent has blown me away.
"We've managed to build good relationships with the gyms in the city and we've had fans from Liverpool travel to Yorkshire to support their fighters so it made sense for us to branch out to the area."
Champion, Hughes, who fights out of The MMA Academy, is excited to be back in his home town and hopes the atmosphere will be electric on the night.
He said: "Liverpool has the best fans and they support their own like no other.
"To defend my title at home makes it all the better.
"Let's blow the roof off the place!"
Matt Rodrigues, from St. Helens, will also feature at the event, defending his AFC welterweight title against Reuben Beresford.
Rodrigues said: "When I heard that AFC was coming to Liverpool, I was over the moon.
"The Liverpool Olympia has become well known for hosting some of the most exciting shows in MMA locally and i fully expect that AFC will raise the bar.
"They are renowned for great match-making and viral finishes so everyone who buys a ticket can expect fireworks on the night."
Tickets for the event start at £30 and can be purchased directly from fighters or online at www.almightfc.com.
