Middleton’s MMA fighter Rawa Rashid is delighted he’s won his first MMA contest of the year after nine months out of the cage as he defeated Keighley’s Charlie Miller in front of a large crowd on the recent Combat Challenge show at Bradford’s Cedar Court Hotel.
“I got a second-round stoppage by what’s called a rear naked choke. This forces the opponent to submit as basically it cuts off his air supply. If he doesn’t tap out, then the referee will end the bout. Our fight was scheduled for three rounds so that’s a planned nine minutes in the cage. Charlie was a tough opponent determined to win, and I’m pleased that together we put on a show which the audience found entertaining, exciting and exhilarating. Charlie and I certainly did and we’re both proud we had the guts to get in there.”
Rawa turns 18 in July and is building up a solid reputation as a tough, talented South Leeds fighter who will take on anyone. “It’s true that I’m not scared of any potential opponent at my weight. I’m concentrating on MMA because it’s the combat sport which unites all the disciplines. Let’s face it the fights can be brutal, bloody even but are nothing if not entertaining. I’ll be fighting as an adult next but already I can do pretty much anything in my fights with fists, kicks and knees. I don’t wear any special protection, although using elbows is restricted to professional MMA.”
“I train at AVT in Morley,” explained Rawa who has just completed his Leeds College of building course. “At AVT I mix with top amateurs such as Mason Yarrow and Harry Edwards. They’re tough, resilient, highly skilled. There’s lots of young fighters at AVT whose ambition is combat sports success. I’m now prioritising MMA although I also enjoy boxing. Last December, I took the 75kg novice title boxing belt on the Haynes Promotions show at The Angler’s in Burmantofts.”
“Many fighters have an alias or a moniker and mine is ‘The Kurdish Machine.’ I like the fact that people from all backgrounds come together in combat sports and we all encourage each other, hopefully irrespective of ethnic, cultural or religious backgrounds. I’m no different to any other fighter as in the cage or ring my aim is to prove I belong there and that on the day I’m mentally and physically tougher than the opponent.”
Saif Khan, 56, is the promoter behind Combat Challenge. The former MMA competitor and coach retired from West Yorkshire Police in 2020. “We’re proud of Rawa and Charlie who represent the best of the courageous, committed and keen young fighters our shows promote. Both boxers had trained intensively and proved it beyond doubt. We’re about giving opportunities to home grown talent and providing well-matched bouts allowing elite athletes to showcase developing skill and talent through dedication and commitment at their gyms.”
Rawa is looking for work in the health and fitness industry. “If it allows me to share my love of combat sports then all the better. I’m also open to sponsorship. If any local people or firms are potential sponsors, then I’m best contacted on Instagram @rawa.lds or by e-mail rawarleeds235@gmail.com.
This post was written by James Bovington
Photo: Coach Tom Crosby with Rawa
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