TOTAL fighting champion Ian Freeman's hopes of competing in a US tournament have been dealt a blow by magistrates.

Freeman, of Wordsworth Gardens, Dipton, County Durham, is due to face trial for common assault on September 8 following an alleged incident outside The Boulevard pub, High Street West, Sunderland, where he was a doorman.

The 33-year-old had tried to move the trial date so he could take part in the US Ultimate Fighting Championships in Indianapolis in three weeks' time. But Sunderland magistrates refused the application on Monday and Freeman, who denies the offence, will face the court next month.