A FIREFIGHTER from Warboys is preparing to defend his crown in one of the most unusual and physically demanding sports around. Robbie Olivier, 29, who is head coach of the Tsunami Gym near Warboys, is aiming to defend his crown in the sport of Mixed Marti

A FIREFIGHTER from Warboys is preparing to defend his crown in one of the most unusual and physically demanding sports around.

Robbie Olivier, 29, who is head coach of the Tsunami Gym near Warboys, is aiming to defend his crown in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA.

The sport is one of the fastest growing in the country and involves two fighters taking part in three five-minute rounds, using different disciplines.

MMA is a mixture of boxing, wrestling, Brazilian ju-jitsu and Thai boxing that offers a variety of different ways to defeat an opponenet.

Olivier, who is nicknamed 'The Flame' will take on Bristol fighter Ronnie Mann at the Cage Rage Championships at Wembley Arena on July 14, live on Sky Sports.

Olivier, who is married and has a son, will be defending his British featherweight title in the event.

Also covered by Sho-Time, IRON TV, The Wrestling Channel, Bodog TV and US station Pro-Elite, Olivier's fight is expected to attract tens of millions of people worldwide.

The sport is similar in style to Ultimate Fighting - where competitors battle it out until one fighter submits.

Jay Benjamin, manager of the Tsunami Gym where Olivier is head coach, told The Hunts Post: "Robbie is very dedicated to his sport and he spends as much time as possible practising his techniques. There is a good atmosphere at the gym and everyone will be supporting Robbie for his big fight in a couple of weeks."

Whilst not working for the fire service, Olivier coaches MMA to enthusiasts up to four days a week at the gymnasium. Students currently learning the discipline include doctors, company directors, law students and engineers.

Under Olivier's guidance, 'Team Tsunami' is now one of the UK's top teams in MMA, competing worldwide.

INFORMATION: For more on Cage Rage, visit www.cagerage.tv. To learn about the Tsunami Gym at Warboys, contact Jay Benjamin on 01223 711628 or visit www.tsunamigym.com