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James Bovington
Boxing Correspondent
1:00 AM 21st January 2025
sports

Profile: Stockport MMA Fighter, Alex Home

Combat Sports
Photo: UKFC Fight Photography
Photo: UKFC Fight Photography
Stockport flyweight MMA fighter Alex Home admires American Mixed Martial Artist John Jones for being the youngest ever UFC world champion and aims to emulate Jones by getting his own name in the history books as a professional in the sport he loves.

‘I’m twenty-one now,’ said Home, ‘and I started training when I was about six. My dad was a fighter and got me into it so maybe my trajectory was mapped out. I’ve had eleven amateur fights and won eight but am now challenging the very best fighters.’

‘In December I went to the States on an all expenses paid trip to have an MMA bout in Nashville against Bryce Woerner who is the number one amateur flyweight in Tennessee and ranked third in the US. He’s also had eleven bouts and won nine of them, including the fight against me. It was an intense fight on his home turf. I didn’t take a back step once and had him wrestling. He’s usually the one doing all the striking, but I proved a match in striking and learnt a lot from this encounter. I didn’t get the win unfortunately but learnt so much and fitted in some tourism too.'

Home attended Reddish Vale High and then Denton Community College and lives with his mother, older sister and younger brother. Having obtained his coaching qualification, Home teaches and offers personal training sessions at 12 Gauge MMA in Bredbury. ‘It’s my second home, the best gym in Greater Manchester. I’ve always been there, trained by my dad and now by chief coach Matt Thorpe. I also train at Aspire Combat Sports in Liverpool. I won two championships last year earning me the Kingdom Combat and UKFC belts.'

Photo: Matt Thorpe
Photo: Matt Thorpe
Alex has had a highly successful amateur career rising to third in the UK, said Thorpe. He recently challenged for the Aeries title in Nashville against one of the best American amateurs. He lost on a split decision in what might arguably have been Alex’s win. He starts 2025 aiming for the pro ranks. Alex has an exciting flamboyant style and personality, which will make an impact quickly as he heads to the top.

‘I plan to join the professional MMA ranks this year,’ maintains Home. ‘It’s my passion. I’m proof that if you do something you love you’ll never do a day’s work ever. MMA is becoming hugely popular as Britain’s fastest growing combat sport. It's more than a sport. We’re modern-day gladiators.’

‘I’ve lots of friends and enjoy going hiking with them and exercising my two dogs. But getting that professional contract is my 2025 priority. I’m grateful to my sponsors for their generosity and thank them for their support. I’d also welcome others to join Team Home. MMA’s an expensive business.’

Potential sponsors can contact Home on Instagram at alex.home1 or message HD Global Management who arranged Home’s recent America visit. If wanting to train with Alex visit www.12gaugemma.com or e-mail info@12gaugemma.com or call 0161 494 9191.