A Norbury martial arts specialist made a winning start in his bid to become the ultimate cage fighting champion on Sunday.

Nick Osipczak is one of eight fighters picked to represent the UK against the United States in Las Vegas as the best from both countries face off in The Ultimate Fighter, screened on Virgin 1 and Setanta Sports.

In the opening fight, televised last Sunday, Osipczak knocked the US's number one fighter Mark Miller out with a kick to the head in the second round.

"It was great to get the UK team off to a good start," said the 24-year-old, who runs the New Wave Academy teaching ultimate fighting in Crystal Palace.

"I didn't know beforehand who I was fighting and it was only afterwards that I found out he had never been knocked out, it was probably best I didn't know.

"It was a both an advantage and disadvantage being picked first."

The show sees all 16 fighters living under one roof before two are picked to do battle in a cage with the winner going through to the next round and Osipczak says it is a great experience.

"I expected it to be a bit more stressful and to miss home more, but the UK team are all really nice guys.

"I am really proud to represent my country."

Having taken up Kung Fu at university in Loughborough, Nick progressed towards ultimate fighting, otherwise known as mixed martial arts or cage fighting, where you can use moves from a number of disciplines to make your opponent submit.

"It's not for everyone," admitted Osipczak.

"My parents were a bit concerned but we have more regulations and rules now and it is a lot safer.

"It is the most realistic form of fighting and I want to prove myself."

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