Kingston, who grew up in Gloucester, now works as a carpenter in Newcastle. He first began learning the sport four years ago, when he took up training with Gloucester coach Sid Yates at the age of 19.

“Sid is a huge part of what I do. He will always be around,” said Kingston, who now trains six days a week in Newcastle.

Yates made the trip to the Lithgow competition with Kingston’s parents who are reportedly ‘still getting used’ to seeing their son take part in such a high impact sport.

Mixed martial arts is boxing, kick boxing, and wrestling, all thrown together.

According to Kingston, the basic rules are ‘don’t do anthing too dirty’, a few other things, and ‘just go for it’.

“It flies under the banner of the ultimate fighting competition,” said Kingston.

“I love it. You only have to rely on yourself, and you know exactly where you stand. Sometimes, you just have to find a way to get out of their way.”

Whilst Kinsgton has so far avoided serious injury, he said his mother emerged from watching him in the championship fight, a little shaky.

“I had a pretty cracker black eye, and a good split. I was pretty sore for a few days,” he admitted.

Kingston’s welterweight division includes participants under 77 kilos, with skills at a similar level.

“My opponent, Blake Shepard, had four wins and no losses. I went in with three wins and one loss. I was really pleased with how I did. He was a big guy, but he would have been sore too,” said Kingston.

The pair fought the full five rounds of three minutes each.

The fighting carpenter will take a break from competition until next year, when he aims to turn professional, stepping up a level in commitment.