One of Europe's 'top' MMA shows, Battle Arena, is coming to Northampton this summer

One of Europe's 'top' mixed martial arts shows is coming to Northampton town centre this summer as 64 amateur fighters from around the world are set to go head-to-head in front of a packed out crowd.

Battle Arena is an MMA promotion which puts on big shows across the UK, and it's coming to Northampton on July 3 at a slightly smaller venue than normal at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Silver Street.

Battle Arena owner, James Price, said he expects a sell-out crowd of about 500 people if 'Boris sticks to his roadmap'.

The 49-year-old said: "We've got some pretty amazing fighters on the card. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world for a reason. It's really exciting, high-octane action. It's got everything you want from a combat sport. It's just great to watch.

"It will sell out. We've got fighters from the whole of the UK and also some international fighters.

"The headline fight is the world featherweight title bout between Max Pearson, from Kraken MMA Academy in Bedfordshire, and Stanmir Madrov from Northampton's BST Academy.

"Come and see why our shows stand out from the rest."

Battle Arena first started back in 2010 at Northampton's Lava Ignite and has since evolved into one of Europe's tops shows, James said.

The fight boss said: "The last time we were in Northampton we were at the county cricket ground in 2014. Since then we have elevated to one of Europe's top shows.

"This promotion is like fighters going to school before university - if they are looking to go into the career of being a fighter. Battle Arena will give them the platform to learn the craft ready for when they go professional."

A host of fighters will be from BST Academy, based in Sixfields, including Rochelle Mac, Khedi Dish, Adrian Sinclair, Dan Lester and Nichola Postica.

BST owners Danny Batten and Greg Lunn said: "It's a great starter show for our young amateurs. There's not been any fights for them for over a year. It's good to give the younger ones a chance."

BST's Jordan Vucenic has fought at Battle Arena previously. The Corby fighter recently went on to win a professional world title at Cage Warriors last month (March).

For more information visit Battle Arena's Facebook page or its Eventbrite page, or call 07932633366.

For those who can't attend, the show will be broadcast on channel 437 on Sky TV and Freeview's 250.