mmg.com.au

Tommy Murray is one step closer to achieving his Ultimate Fighting Championship dream thanks to an offer to train with and fight for Team Alpha Male in the United States.

The Mooroopna-raised and Melbourne-based fighter is already a one-time national champion and three-time state champion in Muay Thai, but is training to become a professional mixed martial artist.

Murray, 22, is yet to make his MMA debut, but has worked hard on his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling skills in recent years.

He is set to spend six months at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, this year.

The Goulburn Valley community is rallying behind him and a fundraising dinner is being held at Letizia’s Cafe Bar Restaurant in Shepparton on Saturday at 6pm.

GV Martial Arts and Fitness owner Mat Reid, who still trains Murray on occasions, said the diminutive rising star was a worthy cause.

‘‘Tommy’s a really nice young kid who’s got plenty of time for everyone,’’ Reid said.

‘‘He’s got the chance to go far and, unfortunately, the sport just doesn’t have the recognition like your footballs and crickets and what not.

‘‘It’s very hard to get sponsors, but these guys train extremely hard and we’re trying to get the limelight on it a bit more.

‘‘Guys like Tommy are good. He’s not a thug or anything — he’s none of those stereotypes — and it’s good to see other people supporting him when he needs it.’’

Reid said Murray was a fighter his peers admired.

‘‘He’s definitely at the top (of the guys I’ve trained),’’ Reid said.

‘‘He’s at a level everyone wants to aspire to. I had the chance to go overseas and live the Thai boxing dream; fighting and living overseas and competing for my country.

‘‘Tommy is getting to do the same and it makes me happy it’s not just a one-off thing and that we can consistently produce top-quality competitors.’’

Reid said there were UFC fighters who trained at Team Alpha Male and added that the championship’s decision to increase the number of weight classes on offer, including Murray’s 55kg category, also increased the Mooroopna product’s opportunities.

Only a handful of Australians are competing in the UFC.

In other news, Reid, who also runs KO Fight Promotions, will host an amateur Muay Thai and MMA show on May5 at his Campbell St gym in Shepparton.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000396765462#!/events/297953300252964/ or email Mat Reid at gvmartialarts@yahoo.com.au for more information and how to go to Tommy Murray’s fundraising dinner. Tickets cost $35.