MMA star Walter Gahadza has labelled his win against Kent Kauppinen as one of the biggest of his career.

Gahadza triumphed at a packed Wembley Arena during a popular Bellator fight night.

And the former Belfairs High School pupil was overjoyed with the victory.

“It feels good to be on the winning column again so it really did mean a lot to me,” said Gahadza.

“It’s definitely up there with the biggest wins I’ve had because after a couple of losses it really did mean a lot to me.”

Gahadza - who trains at the Westcliff based TSG gym - produced a no nonsense display to triumph.

But he was also forced to concentrate hard.

“I usually like to out on a show for my fans but this was a very calculated fight against a tough hard hitting opponent,” said Gahadza.

“I was always confident and I expected to put on a performance and get the choke but I would have preferred to knock him out if I’m honest.

“However, it was just about getting the win and that’s all that mattered.”

And Gahadza was also able to secure the victory - despite having had the shortest turnaround between fights in his career.

“It might have been the shortest turnaround I’ve had but I saw that as a good thing and I think it probably worked in my favour,” said Gahadza.

“I’ve just carried on from where I left off before and I definitely felt sharper for that.

“I was also really fired up and it’s great when all the hard work comes together.”

Gahadza certainly looked sharp in the cage and was boosted by a pre-fight training camp in Colorado.

“There are world class facilities there so it was great for me,” said Gahadza.

“I was at the Genesis Training Centre whose head coach Neil Malenason who was a huge help and so was Dan Burzatto as always at TSG.

But Gahadza is not sure when he will be back in the cage.

“I’m waiting to discuss contract negotiations,” he said.

“It would be nice to get a call up from Bellator again as they are the second biggest promotion.”

Gahadza was also keen to thank his sponsors - Design a Print , E & B motors, Push and Pull , Kimura, Range of Motion and Bigger Homes.