After six years away from MMA, Andrews – who fights out of Empire Martial Arts in Newtown – chose to step up to the professiona; ranks, adding to an 18-year combat sports career that includes representing Wales at the Commonwealth wrestling championships, a 6–2 amateur MMA record, an amateur title and multiple BJJ grappling honours.
Stephen Andrews with coaches and clubmates. (Image: Stephen Andrews.)
Wanting a bout that “meant something”, he was matched with South Wales talent Befan Hall, a multiple amateur champion ranked among the top flyweights and bantamweights in the UK and Ireland.
At Budo Fighting Championship 77 in Neath, Andrews produced a major upset in the co-main event, using his grappling pedigree to secure an armbar submission at 1:59 of the opening round, moving to 1–0 as a professional.
Post-fight, he paid tribute to the 40-plus fans who travelled down to support him and thanked training partners Will Lister, Joe Jones, Tim Davies, Elfyn Williams and Callum Duffield, along with head coach Joe Rice, fellow pro Alex Aston, KMD Physical Training and the wider Empire Martial Arts team for their role in his preparation.
He said: “These are just the guys closest to my weight, all super talented guys.
“That brought out the best of my abilities and very much looking forward to what they can do in the sport.
“I would like to thank head coach Joe Rice for his dedication to the team and all the preperation that goes into training and fighting.
“Alex Aston, professional MMA fighter, leading by example in the sport, fine tuning my game. Kmdphysicaltraining, for taking care of my fitness, getting me in peak condition. Empire martial arts as a whole, for being a great team and being on this journey.”
The Newtown gym now turns its attention to Aston’s sixth professional bout in Chester on April 4, as the stable looks to build on Andrews’ statement win.