A Mixed Martial Arts fighter who fought his way to the sport’s top level has described how training - and celebrating - in Watford has become part of his life.
Sam Patterson, 26, won a dramatic comeback victory against Brazilian fighter Vinicius Cenci on television on Dana White’s Contender Series on September 27.
His performance impressed UFC president White enough for him to be awarded a contract for the world’s most prestigious MMA organisation.
The former West Herts College student, who now trains at Team Crossface in NRG Gym in Watford High Street, said his parents first signed him and his three brothers up for classes to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.
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Patterson said: “It was to keep us from causing trouble, just kids being kids really but when we were in the gym we weren’t on the streets.
“I'd always grown up watching fight films like Kickboxer and Bloodsport, and Steven Seagal movies.
“Then I started getting really good really quick and just fell in love with it and started getting amateur and then professional fights.”
Although he lives in Radlett and went to Marlborough Science Academy in St Albans, he says he trains so long every day he spends more time in Watford than he does at home.
He even recommended Roti Pan Kitchen and Taste of Lahore as the perfect spots to celebrate.
White congratulated Patterson after his “great fight”.
The 10-1-1 fighter added: “It was amazing. I was very confident I was going to win but I had adversity in the first round.
"I think that is part of why I got the contract, because I was able to deal with that, came back, and got the finish in the second round.
“I really was making my dreams a reality.”
A December 17 debut is the next target, ahead of making a return to the UK early next year after five years fighting around the world, but this time on a UFC card.
The gym is encouraging anyone to try a free first session at Team Crossface, which Patterson describes as a family where nobody has an ego, and everyone helps everyone.
He added: "Don't be nervous, try it, and hopefully fall in love with the sport like I did."
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