top of page
Search

Fever, Fights and Fire in Rochdale - Saturday Knight Fights

I had this trip planned for weeks. Tickets booked, plans made — I was ready. And then, of course, the day before my flight, I got sick. Classic.

Feverish, exhausted, and glued to tissues, I still got on that plane from Poland because, well… I’m not a quitter. It’s not that easy to get rid of me or make me give up on something I truly want to see.


And Saturday Knight Fights was one of those things.

Now in its fourth edition, the event brought together a lineup of thirteen profights — including two female bouts, with one of them closing the night as the main event.



Atmosphere & Vibe



I wasn’t coughing yet — just completely glued to tissues the whole night.

I felt a bit sad, not fully present, like my body stayed in Poland while my stubbornness took the flight instead. But still — I was there.


The venue had this funny mix of charm and grit. Not exactly a ballroom, but one of those classic town-hall spaces — the kind of place where you could imagine an old-school British boxing match straight out of Peaky Blinders. Dim lights, a cage ring in the center, and a crowd pressed close at tables and chairs surrounding it.


It wasn’t overly polished, but it had that raw, underground energy that suits the sport. The lighting could have been better for photographers, sure, but the atmosphere? Perfect. Intimate, close, and charged. It felt more like a family gathering — just with armor, sweat, and adrenaline instead of dinner conversations.


ree

Organization & Flow



With thirteen fights on the card, you’d expect long pauses — but the pacing was spot-on. There weren’t unnecessary breaks, no dragging moments. Everything ran smoothly, keeping both fighters and spectators in rhythm.


That’s something I really appreciate. Long delays can break the focus for fighters who’ve already warmed up, armored up, and mentally prepared. Here, everything flowed naturally.


You could also tell how much effort the organizers put into it. Knowing them personally and through work, it’s clear they care deeply about every detail.

What makes Saturday Knight Fights

special is its size — not too big, not too small. It feels personal. You can see families, kids, and close friends of fighters in the crowd, cheering from just meters away.


That’s what I love most: the community. The bonding. The feeling that this sport — as tough and brutal as it is — still brings people together in the most genuine way.



Fight Results



After another brilliant night, here’s how the card unfolded:


  1. Luke McCreery def. Adam Roy — TKO (Round 2)

  2. Gary Hussey def. Matt Adams — TKO (Round 2)

  3. Jack O’Leary def. James Millington — Decision

  4. Daryl Stephen def. Ben Major — Decision

  5. Callum Williams def. Josh Gaynor — Decision

  6. Tasha Hinder def. Alice Langton — Decision

  7. Oliver Faulkner def. Gary Hussey — TKO (verbal submission, Round 1)

  8. Niall Pentony def. Callum Henderson — KO (Round 1)

  9. Owen Byrne def. Alex Noble — Decision

  10. George Barret-Hague def. Kyle Everton — TKO (Round 1)

  11. Martin Gill def. Jack Gale — TKO (armour failure, Round 2)

  12. Sean Gough def. Cava McKee — TKO (Round 1) — inaugural SKF Lightweight Champion 🏆

  13. Louise Hullin def. Rebecca Godfrey — Decision



Highlights & Impressions



Some of the fights were genuinely surprising — those matches where one fighter dominates a round, only for the other to take over in the next. The energy constantly shifted, making every bout unpredictable and thrilling.


A special mention goes to the female fights — the sixth and the final thirteenth of the night. Both were incredible to watch. The women delivered outstanding performances, and the final fight was, for me, one of the best female profights I’ve ever seen — and I’ve seen a lot.


The dedication, the training, the fire — it all showed. These women care. They push themselves not just to win, but to grow. It’s amazing to witness how female fighting continues to evolve and gain the respect it deserves.


ree

Final Thoughts



Even though I was really sick that weekend — trying my best not to let anyone notice — I felt safe and cared for. I had great people around me, true guardians, and that made all the difference.


Despite the fever, despite the tissues and the travel, I’m genuinely glad I went.

Because it’s not only about showing up for our own tournaments under Buhurt International, but also about being present for others. Supporting independent leagues, smaller shows, and the people who make them happen.


We’re all part of the same community — and the strength of it lies in moments like this, when we show up for each other.


Written by yours truly Ola Lebdowicz

~~~

For more information check SKF Facebook LINK

bottom of page