Aidan Lennan was victorious in the first ever fight in a brand new martial-arts competition.
Total Kombat aimed to bring together the best stand-up fighters from karate, taekwondo, kickboxing and MMA to compete against each other in a single event.
As a multi-time world champions and the number one ranked kickboxer in the world at his age and weight, Lennan was invited down to the O2 Arena in London to compete at the show last weekend.
He had been scheduled to take on Danish athlete Tais O’Donnell, but just three days before the event O’Donnell had to pull out for insurance reasons, with Lennan instead being pitted against taekwondo European silver medalist and British champion Robin Smouse.
The University of the Highlands and Islands student received good luck messages from Tom and Luke Stoltman in the run-up to the new challenge, and Lennan lived up to the hype.
It ended up being a dominant victory for the HMAC Inverness teenager, winning in just 57 seconds by referee stoppage in the night’s opening bout.
That means 17-year-old Lennan made history as the first ever winner in Total Kombat history, in the process also becoming the first junior and the first Scottish fighter to have his hand raised.
Although he made quick work of business in the oval, Lennan also got to meet Olympic athletes in attendance, as well as former Great Britain kickboxer and current UFC fighter Michael “Venom” Page, who previously battled HMAC Inverness head coach Ross Houston in Bellator.
Commenting afterwards on social media, Lennan wrote: “Proud to be the first Scottish fighter to step into this prestigious event and make a bit of history in the process.
“This moment marks just the beginning of my full contact journey, seven years in the making! I’ve worked tirelessly, and I can’t wait to showcase more of what I have to offer. So much excitement for what’s ahead next!!
“To everyone who made the trip, tuned in, sent messages, or cheered me on from near or far, I felt every bit of it. You made this debut even more special.
“Stay tuned. We’re only just warming up.”
Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
Other Articles
Engineering Sabah Art Gallery Conservation Building
Ivatan artworks grace NCCA Gallery
No Comment! Be the first one.