A cage fighter is preparing for his professional debut.

Damian Ciureja is training for the Battle of Britain Pitbull Fighting Championship in Blackpool and will be representing England in a fight against a Polish rival.

Damian, 29, a father-of-three from Crosland Moor, says a win could transform life for both him and his family.

“I’ve been working towards it for a long time and I feel now is my time,” he said. “This is a big deal. It could lead to a better future for my kids.”

Click below to watch Damian in action

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Damian started mixed martial arts (MMA) eight years ago and is a member of the Farrell MMA club in Milnsbridge, where he trains regularly.

“I love everything about it, the training and keeping fit. But this is my first professional fight but I want to compete in the championship. I’ve worked hard and pushed myself.”

Damian will face experienced fighter Rafal Lassota, of Poland, who already had a number of gold, silver and bronze titles to his name.

But it doesn’t faze the machine operator who works in Elland. He said: “He has experience while I train around my work and spending time with my family, but I feel motivated and ready for it.

Click below for pictures of Damian in training

 

“I feel comfortable in both striking and grappling.

“This fight is the chance to make something of myself and the chance to enter the championship and fight on from there.”

Damian’s younger brother Tomaz is his sparring partner and wife Anna is supportive ahead of the big fight in Blackpool on August 30.

His children Dominika, nine, Seweryn, five, and three-year-old Julia are his biggest cheerleaders.

To find out more visit his Facebook page ‘Damian Ciureja’. To sponsor him email damianciure jaofficial@gmail.com.