A BEWSEY MMA fighter is aiming for the top after winning his first professional bout.

Luke ‘The Animal’ Taylor defeated Kris Bircher inside the first round in one minute 11 seconds at Irlam Leisure Centre last weekend.

And now the 34-year-old has set his sights on the UFC.

“It’s one of those sports you can move up the ladder quite quickly,” he explained. “You can be at the bottom and then within a few fights make your way to the top.

“If I get my chance I’d love to fight in the UFC. They put on two or three shows a year in the UK and choose the best British fighters.

“If I can be one of the top heavyweights and give the crowd what they want to see, then I’ve got a chance.

The Daywalkers MMA academy fighter is lining up his next professional bout at Parr Hall in February.

Having played rugby league with St Helens until he was 17 and then taken up bodybuilding, Taylor arrived late in the sport.

“I didn’t start until I was 30,” he added. “My mate took me to the Wolfslair (in Widnes) where some big names train and I just got thrown in. I started sparring with them and loved it.

“I had eight fights beforehand and this was my first pro fight, so I’m hoping to work my way up the ladder and get some good fights under my belt.

“In the next five years I think the sport will continue to grow – it’s taken over in the USA.”