Knuckleup: Origin cage fighting - Cheltenham, Racecourse

Wednesday 17th February 2010

Pop star Dane Bowers and a string of celebrities prepare to enjoy one of the world’s most brutal sports at the racecourse.

Cage fighting, in which martial arts experts are locked in a ring and forced to battle until someone is knocked out or gives in, will make its debut at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday.

The event has been organised by Knuckleup, a promotions company run by former pop star and Big Brother contestant Dane Bowers.

It has already attracted a celebrity guest list including footballer Ian Wright, pop group Mis-Teeq, former gangster Dave Courtney and glamour model Bianca Gascoigne.

Andy Clifton, spokesman for the racecourse, said Knuckleup: Origin would offer something different for the town.

“It is new and it will be interesting. What we are always trying to do is make use of the facilities we have here and use them to their best extent,” he said.

The racecourse show, which will be hosted at The Centaur conference centre, will be the second event organised by Mr Bowers and his partners, the first taking place at Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport.

The pop star found fame with boyband Another Level and recently appeared on the last ever series of Celebrity Big Brother.

A spokesman for Knuckleup said: “We hope this move will once again give the potential talent nestling within the UK scene a real chance to shine in the spotlight.

“The event promises not only top-class mixed martial arts action, but also delivers it to the fans via revolutionary production values for a UK-based event.”

Single tickets cost between £25-£40 and a VIP table which seats up to 10 people cost from £500 up to £1,000.

For further details and to book tickets, visit www.knuckleup.co.uk.