Now he knows, having just competed in a novice charity cage fight organised by Ultra MMA at the O2 in Boscombe.
“My partner’s a boxer so I got plenty of encouragement,” said Leo.
“I’m now 20 but 19 at the time so glad to have competed while still a teenager, albeit an adult one.
Leo and Morris in the MMA ring. (Image: James Bovington)
“MMA has a fiercesome reputation and despite all the safety protocols taught it still took some courage.
“I simply wanted to try something different, challenge myself, prove what I’m made of, I guess.
“I signed up for eight weeks training at Odyssey Combat Hub.
“Before we knew it fight night arrived and 38 of us were stepping into the octagon to fight one of the other novices we’d trained with.”
A former student of West Howe’s Bourne Academy, Leo commented that “the eight weeks training was immense. Sometimes I felt it was cruel but also fun.
“Amazing might be an overused word, but that’s just how I feel about the coaches and the other trainees.
“Everyone felt nervous waiting for their match but also excited at the opportunity to prove we could do it.
“The bout felt real.
“It’s the first time I’d taken a punch to the head and wasn’t wearing headgear.
“Everyone was positive, supportive and encouraging.
“Although I didn’t get the win, my opponent and I were widely commended for putting on an entertaining and exhilarating performance lasting the three two-minute rounds.”
Leo faced Morris McColl, 22, in the cage.
Morris works with his mother, offering personal support and cares for his elderly grandparents.
“I signed up after I’d helped my younger brother achieve his kickboxing black belt.
“He’s 15 and has quite severe haemophilia and epilepsy.
“His resilience is inspiring and I wanted to raise awareness of his condition.
“I agree with Leo that fight night was magnificent.
“It was also emotional.
“Getting the win in front of family and friends attending to support was icing on the cake.
“I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.
“Everyone will be proud of you and most importantly you’ll be proud of yourself.”
Training for Ultra MMA events is free, but participants must sell a minimum of ten tickets for fight night and raise at least £50 for a charity of their choice.
“Mine was the National Autistic Society,” explained Leo.
“A close family member is autistic, so their work is close to home.
“My target was £ 150 but I managed to raise £325.
“Taking part in the Ultra MMA challenge is about the best activity I’ve ever done.
“It’s opened me up to a whole different version of sport and improved my general confidence and I intend to continue.
“Like Morris, I’d urge anyone to put aside doubts and worries.
“You’ll not regret it whatever the result.
“On behalf of all who involved Morris and I want to express appreciation to our main coaches Kerry and Trevor from Odyssey for their ongoing training commitment to us.”
Bournemouth’s next Ultra MMA show takes place on 20 November at the Boscombe venue with training starting at Odyssey the week beginning 28 September.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age on the day training starts.
For further information and to sign up, visit www.ultra-mma.co.uk or @ultra_mma on Instagram.
Odyssey is located on Wimborne Road, BH9 2AX.
Did you know you can make the Bournemouth Echo your preferred source of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole news in Google?
This means more breaking news and the latest must-read stories from your area.
Here’s what it means for you and how you can do it.
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26003805.local-newsquest-title-preferred-source/