MARK Cosh’s debut mixed martial arts fight may only have lasted 48 seconds at the Ultimate Warrior Challenge in Southend but the manner of his victory made a lasting impression on those in attendance.

The 35-year-old from Rayleigh was roared on at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre by hundreds of his fans.

And he was delighted to be able to record such a dominant victory.

“It was the perfect way to start my MMA career and I’m really pleased with how it all went,” said Cosh.

“I got a real buzz when I got in to the ring and when I won it as well.

“But because you’re so focused you don’t really know what’s happening outside of the cage.

“It was only when it ended that I realised just how many people were there supporting me.

“It was great that I was able to give them something to cheer.”

Cosh trained tirelessly for the fight and also studied recordings of his scheduled opponent Fernando Saucedo.

But the Mexican failed to turn up for the weigh in the day before the fight and was replaced at the last minute by Welshman Josh Dennis.

“There are always people on standby waiting to come in and it was needed for my fight,” said Cosh.

“Having prepared to have fought someone else it could have caused problems.

“But I didn’t let it faze me because I knew I was in good shape and ready for whoever I had to fight.”

Cosh has already been offered another fight for the next Ultimate Warrior Challenge, expected to take place in Southend later this year.

And the man who had won three boxing fights before switching to MMA, was keen to thank those who had helped him get off to such a good start He said: “I owe John Hales a lot because he changed my life around. And I also owe so much to Harry Hales and Sam Martin, who trained with me every day.”