HEADLESS Cross mixed martial artist Chris Rice got his first professional win under his belt in controversial fashion on September 4.

The 26-year-old fought in the open-air ultimate fighting competition which went ahead inside a marquee in a field in Lenchwick, near Evesham.

The competition organisers had been banned from getting a licence by a number of councils before it actually went ahead and when it finally did attracted thousands of people.

The former boxer, took on Dave Brown in the 85kgs weight group, despite Brown coming in two pounds overweight.

Brown had a record of three fights two wins and one draw before the bout but the fight was stopped by Brown's corner after four minutes and 30 seconds of the first round.

Rice will be next in action in Sheffield on September 18 for a Cage Wars fight.