Danny Dixon, aged 32, is a professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Lightweight division.

Four years ago, he founded North Wales Fight Academy – based in Llay. Now, he is returning to the area where he grew up to open a new gym.

“Bringing the gym I opened back to Deeside was always my goal,” he said.

Danny’s 20-year MMA career was born out of his house being broken in to when he was aged 11.

Danny pictured as a child. (Image: Danny Dixon)

“I started at a local boxing gym in Shotton to make sure I could always protect my mother and family,” he said.

“As I grew older, the confidence grew and I have now had a total of 51 fights leading me to become a professional athlete where I’m still chasing my dream as one day bringing a world title back to my hometown.

“I truly believe the area hasn’t seen anything like what we’re about to open, over the years I’ve helped so many people with mental health and stopping bullying and now my goal is to make the community a proper community where we all are one and look out for each other in and out the gym.”

He continued “North Wales Fight Acadmey has already saved so many lives or changed so many for the better and my goal was always to do that for my area where my own struggles came from.

“I believe the kids need it and it will bring everyone a little bit closer and lift the area. There is some real hidden talent in North Wales and I think a lot of these people don’t get chance to ever show it, so it’s time to give the opportunity’s to do that.”

He added: “I am opening this with my head coach, Liam Burston, who is like a brother to me and has been side by side for years.

“Also involved is our business partner, Louis Anderson, who has also had his own trials and tribulations over the years. He joined the Parachute regiment and turned his life around and also wants to give back to his area where he grew up.

“We have a strong team coming in here to make this work.”

The gym opens its doors on January 5. It is located at Unit 6 on Deeside Industrial Estate Zone 1, on Drome Road.

Danny added: “Come down and try it out – the first session is free. You won’t regret it, martial arts is more than fighting, it’s a way of life.”