Combat Sports Academy teen Ellis Thomas enjoyed a winning return at the recent WCMMA 40 event.

The 19-year-old Gillingham mixed martial arts fighter was back in action at the Circus Tavern, Essex last Saturday, March 14, where he defeated Essex fighter Sonny Crossman.

His last cage-based action in May 2018 ended in defeat and after almost two years of intense training, he returned holding a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and with hundreds more hours of practice behind him.

It paid off, landing multiple firm punches and head kicks during the opening exchanges, scoring a takedown. At the end of the round Thomas locked on an armbar but missed the submission by seconds.

In the second round Thomas controlled the match on the ground while Crossman rocked the Medway fighter with heavy blows when back to standing. Shrugging off a late flurry of punches from the Essex fighter, Thomas scored a firm takedown as the round ended.

In the third, both athletes went out swinging, exchanging brutal blows with Crossman deploying some frighteningly swift hand work before Thomas confidently grounded the fight with an excellent takedown. The fight ended with an inescapable rear-naked choke.

Thomas said: “I have never felt sharper. It was great to return to the cage after nearly two years out of action and come away with a submission win.

“There were ups and downs in the fight and I made it hard for myself really but the main thing is I won and I really enjoyed myself. I can't wait for my next fight."