Philpott vows to come back stronger after defeat in Japan

The Ballymena mixed martial artist was beaten by undefeated opponent Daichi Takenaka as he became history by becoming the first fighter from Northern Ireland to compete in Japan.

“As far as the fight goes. I am devastated, the opportunities that a win could have led to were great,” said Philpott.

“I respect and get people saying it’s only a bump on the road or a setback but this is my life.

“I literally don’t have anything else. I have no money nothing I scrape to get by but that is because I choose to give this sport my all.

“I never got going in the fight I was just getting started and feeling my opponent out. Instead of putting all my focus on myself I was thinking what he could possibly do and it out me off a tiny bit.

“I love a challenge, this isn’t the end for me.

“I have a long way to go but I promise I will get there. I have the right people around me to help me get there, inside and outside of the cage and gym,” added Alan.

* There was better news, however, for Philpott’s IMMA gym colleague Andy Young who won the FCC flyweight title in Bolton on Saturday night with a unanimous decision win over the Aaron Aby.