A High Wycombe MMA club is hosting a charity auction at the Wycombe Sports Centre on Saturday 7, November to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

The event, which is called Redemption by Full Force MMA, will feature special guest Linton Vassell who will be auctioning off signed gloves and t-shirts.

The occasion will also play host to a number of boxing, MMA and K1 fights including four title bouts across various disciplines in which multiple local fighters will be taking to the ring.

Leigh Newell, who is helping to organise the evening and runs a team called the Wycombe Warriors, has spoken glowingly about the positive impact MMA can have on both an individual and a charity.

He said: “I started fighting because I needed money to buy my daughter a Christmas present. From there I have stuck at it and it has kept me focussed.

“There are so many distractions for young people and MMA really did give me a focus and something that kept me away from trouble.

“A lot of servicemen get involved with combat sports after returning from war so we have a connection with them and the auction is a great way to raise money for the British Legion.”

The focus that Newell speaks of is one that he has looked to instil in members of the Wycombe Warriors club he set up a year ago.

It is a venture that he is finding hugely rewarding and all age groups are welcome to join the club which will move to a new gym shortly after the auction takes place.

Saturday’s fundraising effort will also feature bars with Caribbean food, dancers and will have a number of volunteers collecting donations.

Newell feels that he has a responsibility to help raise as much money as possible for the charitiy and believes that having the auction the day before Remembrance Sunday will help his cause.

“We shouldn’t forget what these great men and women did for our country and I will do anything I can to help this important cause,” explained the 36-year-old.

“We want to raise as much money as possible, and the fact that the auction is the day before Remembrance Sunday means it is the ideal way to do so.”

Having Vassell on board with the auction is also a real plus as he is one of the most well-known British MMA fighters and has just returned from fighting in America.

Doors will open for the auction at the Wycombe Sports Centre at 5.30pm on Saturday.