TOTAL fighting champion Ian Freeman is hoping fans will be knocked out by his autobiography.

Ian "The Machine" Freeman will be released by Mirage Publishing in June.

It charts his rise from being a rookie club doorman to one of the most respected Vale Tudo fighters in the world.

Mr Freeman's life story, while not exactly rags to riches, is full of battles to overcome the odds - against hearing problems, the authorities and more experienced opponents.

Since turning professional in 1999, he has won the British championship, beaten the world number one, and taken part in the Ultimate Fighting Contest, in the US.

However, perhaps his most famous fight was with the red tape imposed by councillors on Sunderland City Council.

His attempt to stage an amateur show at the McEwan's Centre, near Houghton-le-Spring, ended in failure when councillors refused to grant the event a licence.

Mr Freeman lives in Dipton, between Consett and Stanley, County Durham, and has added the training of future total martial arts champions to his portfolio.