Alexander makes his Mark

DUNAGHY'S Mark Alexander got the perfect birthday present at the weekend - a victory in his first mixed martial arts bout.

Mark - who turns 19 today (Tuesday) - defeated an opponent from Kilkenny by way of an armbar in front of nearly 1,000 fight fans at Clan Wars in Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena on Sunday.

It was a remarkable achievement for the Causeway Judo member whose opposition had vastly more experience under his belt.

Fighting in the 70kg C Class, Mark sealed the win four minutes into the first round.

“I was pretty confident going into the fight even though it was my debut,” Mark told Times Sport.

“I was a bit nervous walking in but once I was there I was fine.”

Mark had to undergo a gruelling three month training regime and diet programme before the contest and shed five kilos in three days to make the weight.

But his dedication was rewarded emphatically and he has set his sights on more MMA fights in the future.

Before then he is hoping to take part in the Judo North West Open in the coming weeks.

Mark wished to thank all those at Causeway Judo Club for their support, Norman Parke and club coach Alan Ashcroft.