A MARTIAL arts expert from the region could soon be battling it out in the fastest-growing fighting division in the world, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Hussan Muradi, who is based at Paul Hamilton's Boxing and Martial Arts Academy, in Darlington, has already been offered bouts in the UFC, but will fight at least once more in the UK before leaving for the US.

The UFC is reknowned as a brutal form of no-holds-barred fighting, where two fighters are locked in the Octagon, a fully enclosed cage, until either fighter is knocked-out or submits.

The sport is growing in popularity around the world, and Mr Muradi, who is originally from Iran, said he would love to get the opportunity to fight in the UFC.

"I have had the opportunity to fight in UFC before, but there were problems with my coach. Now I have Paul and he will sort it all out for me," he said.

Another member of the same gym, Mohammed Abdul, has already fought once in the UFC, but is also looking to move over to the US permanently after his fight in Dublin next month.

Mr Muradi will fight in a highly anticipated Thai boxing match in Darlington this Sunday night as part of a bill which also includes Darlington-born Thai boxer Michael Dicks.

The show is expected to be a sell-out, and Mr Dicks said he was looking forward to fighting in front of his hometown crowd.

He said: "It is such a big buzz for me to be able to fight in Darlington, I'm looking forward to it and I've been training really hard for it."

Mr Hamilton, promoter of the event, said "We have a group of fighters here who would top the bill anywhere in the world. It will be a spectacular show, which we don't often get in Darlington.

"We make sure we put a show on and these lads will be coming out to fireworks, lasers and a live band."

Limited tickets are still available for the event, which will feature ten undercard fights, as well as the feature events. Tickets cost £15 in advance or £20 at the door, and are available from Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy, or from the Dolphin Centre. Doors open at 4pm.