BRIDGWATER MMA Heavyweight Mark Godbeer faces the toughest test of his stellar career this Friday when he steps into the cage in the United States to face former UFC star Cheick Kongo at the Bellator 102 event.

Godbeer, started his career as an amateur on local shows in the Bridgwater area, but he now makes his move into true world class when he faces the formidable Frenchman in the main event of the show, being staged in Visalia, California.

Remarkably, this will be his first fight in a year and a half after a career-threatening back injury required surgery.

Godbeer said: “At one point I thought it was all over, but my fighting spirit kept me going and now I’ve been rewarded with an amazing opportunity to prove I’m world class.

“I’ve finished my last hard session of my fight camp now, and with less than a week to go it’s all about staying sharp and staying focused.

“I’m such a different fighter since my last fight – I’ve learnt and evolved so much mentally and physically. I feel like every fight, every injury, all the highs and lows, have been a learning curve to lead me to where I am now.

“I’ve been sparring hard daily with some of the best fighters the UK has to offer, and I’m more than ready to step up and prove people wrong.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family, and I plan on make the most of it – I’m coming to fight and I’m bringing a new, rejuvenated me.”