UCMMA 12: Never Back Down

Ultimate Challenge MMA returns to the London Troxy for the 12th exciting installment next month.

The MMA show, which rose out of the ashes of Cage Rage, has helped launch the career of world-class local talent such as Brad Pickett, Neil Grove, and James McSweeney.

Some UFC stars past and present will be on display on May 12 as Neil Grove, who fought for the UFC as recently as 2009, takes on Stav "Crazy Bear" Economou for the heavyweight title.

Economou is a seasoned veteran who has only lost one of his 11 MMA fights and will be looking to hand Grove, who holds a knockout win over The Ultimate Fighter 10 veteran James McSweeney, only the third loss of his fledgling career.

While all eyes will be on the big men, up-and-coming light heavyweight prospect Jimi "Poster Boy" Manuwa will also be looking to showcase the talents that have seen him run up seven consecutive stoppage wins.

The unbeaten Poster Boy will be the strong favorite against Reza Meldavian. And with none of Manuwa's fights having lasted longer than a couple of rounds, a KO may very well be in the cards.

There will also be the chance to see a couple of old favorites back in action. Mark Epstein has faced a who’s who of English MMA fighters, including Michael Bisping, Tom Watson, and Ian Freeman.

He will be taking on up-and-coming kickboxer Luke Sines in a fight under UK-1 rules, which looks set to be a stand-up war.

Another veteran of the UK scene is Paul Cahoon. Like Epstein, he has faced many legendary MMA names, including Elvis Sinosic, Melvin Manhoef, and Ian Freeman.

Now in the twilight of his career, he is coming off a win over Swedish fighter Matti Makela, and will be looking to put in a performance against fellow middleweight Earl Brown.

There will be no fewer than 14 fights in the cards.

"Never have so many interesting fights been on one card. UCMMA is moving from strength to strength and the guys on this card have one thing in common: they never back down.

"Once again, we're almost sold out and you can guarantee on the day there won't be a seat left in the house. Ultimate Challenge will always deliver you a night to remember." —Dave O'Donnell, Organizer

For more information, please visit: www.ultimatechallengeuk.com.