On Air Now

The 60's Show

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Now Playing

Hal

Play The Hits

Rochdale teen takes gold in MMA Ireland nationals and eyes world title

Gabriel Cullen, 17, beat a reigning world champion in Dublin to win gold, now he’s aiming for Abu Dhabi glory.

A Rochdale teenager is quickly becoming one of the UK’s brightest young talents in mixed martial arts after winning gold at the IMMAF Ireland National Youth Championships.

Gabriel Cullen, 17, dominated the Male Youth A Welterweight (-77.1kg) division during the elite-level contest in Dublin, outclassing rivals with his standout judo-based technique.

The competition, hosted by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), is a major stepping stone in youth MMA and attracts top contenders from across Europe.

Cullen’s most impressive victory came against a reigning Romanian world champion in Kempo, a specialist in striking with vast international experience. Cullen, whose judo training began at just four years old, outmanoeuvred his opponent with powerful takedowns and high-level grappling, impressing both coaches and spectators.

This gold adds to Cullen’s growing list of achievements, which includes a silver medal at the IMMAF European Youth Championships earlier this year, effectively placing him second in Europe in his weight class.

Now, the teenager is preparing for the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi later this year, where he will represent his country against top global athletes.

Cullen is coached by his father, Derrick Cullen, who has mentored him since his early years in martial arts. He said: “Gabriel has dedicated himself fully to this. His maturity, strength and focus are unbelievable for someone his age – and this is only the beginning.”

He added: “We’re immensely proud of Gabriel, not just for the medals, but for the discipline and humility he carries inside and outside the cage.”

To support Cullen’s world championship campaign, the family is now appealing for sponsorship from local businesses and individuals to help fund his travel and training for Abu Dhabi.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • The 60's Show

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    with Geoff Radivan

  • Damien

    9:00pm - 11:00pm

    with Damien

  • The Quiet Storm

    11:00pm - 1:00am

    Join Paul Harvey on The Quiet Storm as he plays the world’s greatest love songs to end your day.

  • Wide Awake Club

    1:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Monday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.