Daire Toman hoping to fight again in 2021 following second pro win at UKFC 16

Photo via UK Fighting Championships

Fantom Dublin fighter, Andrei Strainu was in action on the amateur section of the card, securing a kimura submission win in the opening round against Ste McLleland.

Toman turned pro back in 2019 following a successful amateur run that saw him pick up belts in both Akuma and Clan Wars. His pro debut at Clan Wars 36 was against the rising prospect, Matiss Zaharovs; losing via submission. However, after two years away from fighting he returned at Decky McAleenan’s IÚR Fighting Championships 1 against an always game Nikola Ivanovic.

A decision victory for the Team Torres HQ & Newry Muay Thai fighter meant he had his first pro win under his belt. Approximately a month later he added to this by accepting a fight against a dangerous opponent in Sam Kelly. Kelly had only suffered defeat once before this, a disqualification loss in his swan-song amateur fight.

Kelly was riding a solid win streak of finishes on the back of turning pro and had yet to see the full 15 minutes until last weekend. Following his win over Kelly, Toman was happy with his performance and is hoping to build on his newfound momentum.

“I’m feeling good after the win. I’m very happy with my performance securing a dominant victory over a home town opponent and banking another 3 rounds as a professional and learning from the experience. I plan to stay active and get matched again soon and have another fight before Christmas and keep the momentum going into the new year.”

Toman went into the fight as the away fighter and put on a dominant display to get the win, in addition to clocking up valuable minutes of cage experience.

“Travelling to Preston was a great experience for me as it was my first time fighting outside of Ireland. I definitely thrive off being the away fighter. Me and my coach approached it with the attitude of being there to get a job done and return back home victorious. Travelling added a new element to this sport for me and I look forward to travelling more in my career and seeing new places and meeting more people along the way.”