AN EMERGING Wee County mixed martial arts fighter has secured his first Scottish title after winning his fight at the weekend.

Shaun Conway, from Alloa, has been a member of the Submission Factory for more than four years and has went on to win the Goliath Fight Promotions Scottish Title.

The 26-year-old took on opponent Jamie McGlinchey, a tough opponent and member of the famous Griphouse Gym in Glasgow, in Alloa Town Hall on Saturday, June 24.

Shaun told Advertiser Sport just how amazing it was to see his hard work rewarded with a Scottish title after he got involved in MMA in such tragic circumstances.

"It was amazing," he said. "I wish I had got a bit more fitness in me and finished the fight quicker but it was a great fight.

"I started out in martial arts after my best pal introduced me to it nearly five years ago. Unfortunately, he went on to take his own life so I can't stop now.

"After that, my mum passed away so I was just focused on making my dream become reality and working hard.

"I wish things had been different but they've both inspired me to keep going."

CHAMPION: Shaun Conway has trained for four years to earn his Scottish title.

CHAMPION: Shaun Conway has trained for four years to earn his Scottish title.

Shaun joined Submission Factory almost five years ago and has been trained and coached by Craig McIntosh ever since.

Craig described it as a personal honour to watch Shaun go on and win his first title, commending him for his hard work.

He said: "Shaun got involved with us through one of the charity events we held and that's him just won his first title.

"He managed to keep training all throughout lockdown to build himself up for a title fight and he's just won the Scottish title.

"I'm proud as anything – for me, it's been my biggest achievement as a coach. He's the first person I've ever coached to go on and become a champion.

"I had to stop myself from crying to be honest!"

Shaun will now look ahead to his fight next weekend, where he will represent Scotland in a cross-nation tournament in Wales.

Anyone interested in MMA can follow the Submission Factory on Facebook.