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MMA fighter faces unbeaten opponent in September cage return

Sport | Ed Bregua | Published: 15:11, Monday July 27th, 2026.
Last updated: 15:11, Monday July 27th, 2026

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Welsh MMA rising star Malakai Gough
Welsh MMA rising star Malakai Gough

Bedwas amateur MMA fighter Malakai Gough will face unbeaten prospect Colbie Evans on September 26 in his eighth contest in the cage.

The 20-year-old featherweight, who holds a record of six wins and one loss, enters the bout following a successful defence of his Samurai Fighting Championship (SFC) belt on June 27. Gough defeated Fiad Mwamba via a first-round guillotine choke in less than two and a half minutes.

His next opponent, Evans, holds a five-fight undefeated record at amateur level. Both men earned first-round submission wins on the same June fight card.

Gough’s preparation has continued through other combat disciplines. On Sunday July 19, he claimed the Welsh Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu title, despite competing 10kg above his standard MMA weight class.

His martial arts career began in karate at the age of six, earning a black belt by ten. He moved into kickboxing at 11, reaching the top rank at 14 while winning five gold medals and four world titles before transitioning to MMA.

Alongside a daily training schedule, Gough works as a carer for his grandfather, Colin, who raised him with his grandmother in Bedwas.

From Bedwas to the cage: the rapid rise of Malakai Gough  

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Malakai Gough

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