BRIDGWATER’S Mark Godbeer is gearing up for his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) this weekend – and admits he cannot wait to get started.

The 32-year-old heavyweight fighter, who became the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA) Heavyweight Champion earlier in the year, was signed up to the organisation and will make his debut in Belfast on Saturday.

UFC is never far from the headlines, thanks to the meteoric rise of Connor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, and Mark, who trains out of the Arthur Meek gym in Bridgwater, will test his mettle against Justin Ledet in his bout.

Speaking to the Mercury, he said: “I have been training hard, twice a day, but I’m starting to wind down ahead of the fight.

“The UFC is the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, it’s the biggest show you can get, so I am a little bit nervous but at the same time I am excited.

“I have been travelling up and down the country training, and I’m ready, UFC is a different level.

“My record speaks for itself, I’m a finisher and am always looking to finish. I have got a ground game but I like to strike and I am known as a striker.

“When I finished at BAMMA I was the heavyweight champion, so now I’m looking to work my way through the UFC, and hopefully get within a title shot.”

“It’s going to be a hard challenge, these guys are the best in the world, but I have got confidence in my ability.

“Right from the start, from my first fight at Bridgwater Football Club, I’ve had great backing from the people of Bridgwater and the whole of the town. It’s an overwhelming feeling, and I’d just like to say thanks to them.”

Mark, who stands at 6foot 4inches tall and weighs 245lbs, started his training eight years ago as well as working at All or Nothing kickboxing and MMA gym in Bridgwater and his fighting style encompasses boxing as well as jiu-jitsu.

Tickets to watch Mark in action at UFC FIGHT NIGHT® : MOUSASI vs. HALL 2 are on sale now and available via the SSE Arena box office and Ticketmaster.