Teenage Hemsworth Legacy MMA fighter Lennon proves he is worth supporting
Teenage MMA fighter Lennon Jones is “over the moon” having won his fourth fight at the Elite Combat Championship event in Rochdale.
Lennon, who turns 15 in December, defeated Sheffield’s Rilee Mitchell, writes James Bovington.
He lives with his family in South Hiendley and has trained at Legacy MMA, in Hemsworth, since spring 2024.
“I’ve now won three of my four amateur bouts,” said Lennon. “My uncle was a professional MMA fighter and I grew up watching his fights plus lots of combat sports live and on video. I thought there’s no reason not to get involved myself.
“The main elements to MMA are striking and grappling. I controlled the entire fight with my striking and got the opponent on the canvas and prevented him from doing so to me. These are called takedowns.
"I followed the agreed game plan and listened attentively to instructions from my corner.
"The aim in MMA is to get the opponent to submit including by knockout. At present striking an opponent in the head isn’t allowed for me but that will come and then the fun will start.”
Chris Hill is Lennon’s coach at Legacy MMA and was delighted with his fighter’s latest display.
“Lennon put on a brilliant performance in Rochdale at 63kg. This was his first competition for a while, yet he dominated all three rounds.
"Lennon’s longer-term goal is to get onto the England Team and begin competing on the international stage. He has the required potential to achieve.
"We’re keen for local people to get to know Lennon and enjoy watching him make progress as we push him to the next level.”
Dad Dave Jones and mum Amy are “proud of the time and effort our enthusiastic teenage boy Lennon puts into his training.
"The training has improved both his fitness and self-discipline which we’ve seen transfer into schoolwork and behaviour at home. We’re obviously keen to support him achieve his goals and ambitions.”
Lennon loves training with teammates and the thrill of competition.
He added: “This sport has boosted my confidence as well as keeping me in the best shape. My dedication to training and my high standard of performance in competition make me worth supporting.
"I’ve started training with the England junior MMA squad and travel around the country training. My ambition is to be a Yorkshire fighter representing England at international events.”
There is no national funding available for Lennon who therefore “massively appreciates the generous sponsorship from RW Building Solutions Ltd, Wicks Building & Plastics, Braithwaite Contracting & Driveways and Scaleware."
Any other potential sponsors can message Dave Jones at [email protected] or via Facebook Messenger.
For information about training at Legacy e-mail [email protected] or contact via Facebook Messenger. The gym is in Bank Street, Hemsworth, WF9 4NY.