CAGE fighting is coming back to the city in the new year after proving a hit with the Chester public.

Sunday’s Gladiator Show at Chester Racecourse was the first of its kind in the city.

The 15-bout mixed martial arts card was well received and Chester kickboxer Dave Newbrook, who co-promoted the show, has booked out the venue again for February.

“We want to bring cage fighting back to Chester again,” said Newbrook, who trains fighters at his new gym in Saltney.

“I will probably fight on the card myself, and there will be other locals on the bill.”

Sunday’s mixed martial arts show was headlined by Wrexham pro Gareth Roberts, who defeated Swansea’s Gareth Burbridge with a round-one stoppage.

Great Sutton’s Tim Sharratt, who trains with Newbrook in Saltney and at the Widnes-based Wolfslair gym, made a winning start to his competitive career by beating Liverpool’s Mark Austin in the semi-pro 77kg class.

The 29-year-old site engineer said: “I would love to get in the ring and do it again. It was great. I have seen the video back and I am confident the right decision was made.”

Sharratt, a former pupil at Bishops’ High School, emerged victorious on a split decision despite sustaining a cut above his eye early on which required six stitches.