A FIGHTER from Prestatyn has celebrated becoming North Wales’ first mixed martial arts (MMA) world champion.

Bobby Pallett, 32, saw off Brazilian Tony Silva by technical knockout in less than a minute to win the Full Contact Contender (FCC)’s lightweight (11 stone) world title at Liverpool Olympia on March 9.

Also a personal trainer at Primal MMA Academy in Dyserth, Bobby’s record in bouts now comprises seven wins and two losses.

He is next due to fight in Paris on May 2.

Rhyl Journal: Bobby after winning his bout on March 9Bobby after winning his bout on March 9 (Image: Graham Finney)

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Bobby said: “I thought the fight would go on a bit longer, but it was over in 58 seconds after the first solid dig I hit him with – in and out, so a nice, easy payday!

“It feels really good. I want to show people that, even though we’re a small town in North Wales, you can still achieve world status in any sport if you put your mind to it.

“I’m happy to put our town on the map, and hopefully this is just the beginning. It’s a world title, but I want to move up the ranks and go on to bigger and bigger shows.”

Rhyl Journal: Bobby during his bout on March 9Bobby during his bout on March 9 (Image: Mark Hempel)

Bobby was supported in Liverpool by his friends and family, as well as people who he trains with in Dyserth, having sold 100 tickets for the event.

The event was shown live on UFC Fight Pass, the world's largest combat sports streaming platform.

It was the 37th MMA event the FCC has organised, meanwhile.

Rhyl Journal: Bobby during his bout on March 9Bobby during his bout on March 9 (Image: Graham Finney)

Bobby started training as a MMA fighter in 2009, before facing his first amateur bout in 2012, and then turning professional in 2017.

He is aiming to ultimately compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the largest MMA promotion in the world.

“I like the competition more than anything else,” he added.

“I played football until I was 17, but I knew I wasn’t going to make it, and since I started training in MMA at 19, I haven’t looked back.”