MMA fighter visits old school ahead of big fight
A mixed-martial-arts fighter visited his former Black Country school to speak with students about his achievements.
Tim Wilde, aged 31, from Cannock, paid a visit to St Thomas More Catholic School in Willenhall.
Tim is fighting Brent Primus, from America, at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, on May 4.
He will headline the event and it will his debut fighting in Bellator MMA, which is one of the biggest mixed-martial-arts organisations in the world.
He said: "When I was asked to come back to my old secondary school and speak to the students it was a no brainer for me really.
“It was great to chat to some of the students and talk to them about how I first got involved in the sport and how being a professional MMA fighter is a genuine career path for them to take.
"I’ve learnt so much through the sport and had so many life experiences that it’s made me the person I am today.
"I think it’s about being a role model and showing the students what the sport of MMA could do for them."
Tim took part in a question-and-answer session with the Year 10 students.
He spoke about growing up in Cannock, how he got into the sport and the skills which MMA has taught him.
Tim has a professional record of 12 wins and three defeats. It will arguably be the biggest fight of his life next month.
He continued: "It’s such an exciting time for MMA in the UK and the Midlands is fast becoming a hotbed for MMA talent. It’s really thriving at the moment. For me, it’s about inspiring the next generation and continuing to build the profile of the sport in the UK.
“I’ll be headlining the upcoming event in Birmingham and I want to put on a show for my home crowd.
"Hopefully my success in the sport can continue to drive participation levels locally in the coming years. I’d like to think that I’ve inspired some of the pupils I met today to come and cheer me, maybe we will see some of them competing in the next few years."
