James BovingtonEveryone at IMA Gym in Seacroft is celebrating what their gym manager Louis Power describes as a “big personal milestone and a dream come true” following his victory at welterweight in his first professional MMA bout. Louis defeated Ashley Gibson on a Bradford show organised by Prime Combat League, (PCL).
“I’m proud to have defeated an experienced opponent with twenty professional bouts. I won by rear naked choke, which for the uninitiated is simply a choke around the opponent’s neck from behind which forces a submission. You can also win by knockout or on points.”
“I’d walked out to Louie Louie by The Kingsmen and felt surprisingly calm on the way to the cage. I was keen to enjoy the moment and take it all in. Afterwards I felt relieved and fulfilled. I’d made my professional debut which is what I’d always wanted since my first amateur bout in 2022.”
Originally from Oldham, Louis remained in Yorkshire after completing his history degree at Leeds University. He now lives with his fiancée and her daughter in Baildon. “I’ve been working full time at IMA for a year. I’ve progressed at IMA thanks to the commitment of my head coach Liam Cann along with Stuart Graham and striking coach Mateusz Duczmal. Their guidance was invaluable as I prepared my professional debut and my win should also help me be a more effective coach.”
“Louis winning his pro debut was a special moment for all of us at IMA,” stated chief coach Liam Cann. “He’s a completely homegrown talent who started from scratch and became team captain through hard work and dedication. His debut submission win showcased his technical development. I’m incredibly proud of Louis. The sky is the limit.”
“Other fighters from IMA competed in Bradford,” explained Louis. “We had an amateur Xain King win a kickboxing bout and our four other professionals got first round victories including three knockouts and two submissions. That’s Lucas Carvalho, Raushan Sandhu, Harshil Savania and Mateusz Duczmal. I also want to thank my sponsor The Flavour Forge BBQ Rubs for keeping me well stocked with the best seasonings and ensuring balanced nutrition. Deus Fight Wear® and MMA Clothing & Custom Gear also deserve credit for creating high-quality fight kit.”
Contact Louis via Instagram @louis_power or by email louisgcpower@gmail.com to offer sponsorship. If interested in training at IMA call 07514 585184 or e-mail info@immortalleeds.com or Instagram @ima.leeds.
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
