WORKINGTON'S rising professional MMA star is grappling his way through training ahead of his light-heavyweight bout at Bolton Arena later this year. 

Iain ‘Rollo’ Rollason looks to punch his record up to three victories and zero defeats at the FCC 32 event on December 17, as he's set to go in the octagon against Moldova's Valenciuc.

"I'm working harder than ever, I'm more determined than ever. Honestly, this is the most I've ever been focused, it's now or never," Rollo said. 

"It's going to be a hard fight, Valenciuc has a background in K1 (combination of martial arts combat) which means he's done a lot of stand-up fighting. He's also won a heavyweight belt in K1, so it will be difficult, not one to underestimate. 

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"I'm excited it's on fight pass, hopefully I'll get noticed but it's really a moment to get the hard-work on show. You've just got to go in there and enjoy yourself, that is the main thing." 

Rollo, who only turned professional last August, has been training at the renowned HAMMA gym, near Liverpool, alongside The Yard, a Muay Thai gym in Workington and has recently added a strength and conditioning coach to his outfit -  Nathan Dickson. 

The mixed-martial arts fighter could continue his winning run at the Bolton venue, having bagged a victory against Kofi Marshall in March earlier this year, in which he secured the victory in the third round with a submission known as the Von Flue Choke.

Rollo, who also owns Energywise Plumbing and Heating, will have to cut weight to 205 pounds before the fight. 

The fight will be available to stream via UFC Fight Pass but if anyone's looking to get tickets, get in touch with Rollo via Facebook.

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