Rising MMA prospect Craig Edwards picked up his first win in the professional ranks at the weekend and is already planning his next step up the fistic ranks – but first he’s got a far more important date.

The 25-year-old lightweight marries partner Sammy Davey in a month, and is then targeting a show in Milan in May as he bids to advance his promising young career.

He was the main event at Killacam Fight Night 13 in Margate on Saturday and impressed, coming home with a first round submission victory via standing guillotine choke over France’s Jessy Chateaneuf.

The win evened his pro record at 1-1, and left him keen to keep busy this year.

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“It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting,” said Edwards, a product of the Colchester-based BKK Fighters Gym. “The guy wasn’t as aggressive as I thought he would be – I thought he’d come out guns blazing!

“But once I got it to the ground I felt I was in control and I knew I could finish it. I worked a few submission attempts but he was fighting the hands well until I locked on the guillotine.”

Edwards, who racked up a 7-5 record as an amateur, added: “It was a great feeling – it’s nice to get off the mark as a pro and I can look forward to what’s next.

“I’m getting married in a month and then I’m hoping to fight in Milan in May. I’ve not got a direct path to the UFC planned out, I just want to fight three more times this year, win them, get some good experience and look to get on Cage Warriors shows.

“As a fighter I think I can do it all – I don’t have a style, so to speak.

“It all depends on the opponent and what they bring – but I can hang with anyone.”

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There were two other BKK products in action on the Killacam card, both in amateur fights. Charlie Falco dropped a unanimous decision to Sam Green, while Ipswich’s Adam Spalding was stopped by Stephane Dubois.

Another BKK prospect, Cory McKenna, makes her pro debut at Cage Warriors 91 in Newport on Saturday. The straw-weight held two amateur belts with the highly-regarded Colchester-based BCMMA promotion and is widely considered to be among the best prospects in Europe. She faces Maria Vittoria Colonna on her debut.