A PROFESSIONAL MMA Star from Clacks is hoping to emulate the meteoric rise of Conor McGregor as he plots his own success in the sport.

Calum Murrie recently took another massive step towards the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after signing to South Africa's premier MMA promotion, EFC Worldwide.

It follows a very impressive start to his professional career after he secured the Made4TheCage professional featherweight title in just his third outing as a pro.

Now he hopes to use his burgeoning talents to forge a career in the business.

The Clacks fighter told the Advertiser: "When you see how people like Conor McGregor went from living on benefits to fighting in Las Vegas for $100m in only a few years, that's definitely an inspiration to me.

"I've dedicated 10 years to martial arts and if I can use my skills in the ring, rather than on the tools, to support my family then that's definitely what I want to do."

Calum, originally from Dollar, started his martial arts training at the Scottish Martial Arts Centre in Tullibody at 19 years old.

He initially began training in Taekwon-do and soon became a gold medalist at the 2012 World Cup in Brighton.

After representing the Tullibody gym in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Thai boxing and international kickboxing bouts, Calum decided to concentrate on a career in professional MMA and joined Higher Level in Whitburn, Bathgate.

It was there that he could train with a large stable of professional fighters and train alongside other Scottish UFC stars to get the expert training he required.

Juggling a hectic training schedule, his four-year-old daughter and working as a joiner, Calum managed to put together an impressive amateur record of 12 wins and three losses, including Scottish, British and European amateur title belts.

Following this success, he decided to turn professional and pursue a career in the UFC – the pinnacle of the sport.

Indeed, Calum can take encourage from watching team-mate Danny Henry sign up to the UFC, after becoming the EFC champion earlier this year.

Calum is extremely grateful to have his local martial arts centre get behind him for his upcoming bout in South Africa.

The Scottish Martial Arts Centre was the first local business to commit to a sponsorship deal, allowing him to train full time ahead of his EFC Worldwide debut.

Calum added: 'I'm really happy to be sponsored by Adam and Gary from SMAC.

"These guys have always supported me throughout my career and it's great to be able to train full time and let me concentrate on beating their number one contender without having to work on the tools."

In the last few days several other businesses have also shown their support for the Dollar fighter.

Local estate agent, Remax-Alloa, IT firms Kudaz Ltd and Woosh Ltd have joined Team Murrie and are proud to sponsor him ahead of his big break.

Calum takes on the former champion and number one contender Boyd Allen on the November 4 in Carnival City Casino, Johannesburg.

  • Any local businesses would like to support him by arranging sponsorship, can contact Calum on 07783836955 or murriemma@hotmail.co.uk