Win could be Bull’s last charge

Ryan Copeland.

Published on 17/01/2013 10:18

A mixed martial arts fighter let his fists do the talking in a brutal grudge-match battle, but he admits the emphatic victory could spell his last fight in the octagon.

Ryan ‘The Bull’ Copland put a bitter feud with Nathan Court to bed by destroying him at Made4Thecage 8: Impact last month.

A fierce war of words had preceded the hotly-anticipated bout, with the Northeast Top Team warrior saying he would take Copland’s jaw.

But his jibes simply waved a red rag in front of The Bull, and Copland, from Alnwick, wasted no time in dismantling his opponent, forcing a stoppage inside two rounds.

Such was the intense nature of the fight, the 27-year-old north Northumberland bruiser broke his hand during the bout.

It was an impressive win for The Bull, but one which has left him contemplating his future.

A string of fighting-related injuries has prompted Copland to think about calling time on his five-year MMA career, with plans to concentrate on his Inferno promotion in Ashington, with the next show on March 3.

He also wants to help Shaun Gaines out with coaching at Alnwick’s Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre-based Long Zhanshi club.

The Bull said: “It was a good win for me and I am contemplating leaving on a high, so it could be my last fight.

“I have had three operations in the last 15 months. I need some time to get myself rehealed and fully fit before I can think about having another fight. Then we’ll see.”

If it is the end of life as a competitive fighter, The Bull knows he has brought the curtain down on a good note and can reflect on a professional record of six wins and four defeats.

His grudge-match victory was named as the bout of the night and Copland’s triumph ended Court’s three-fight winning streak.

Copland thanked his coach/corner team of Gaines, and Ed Drysdale and Graeme Allsop of Combate Base North East BJJ, Ashington, and sponsors Alnwick Barbering Co, Northern Strength, NE Online Magazine, SJI Ink and sports therapist Dave Ross .

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Win could be Bull’s last charge

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