TWO Grimsby fighters are to feature in a groundbreaking televised Mixed Martial Arts show set to be watched by millions tonight.

James Bateman and Louis Chapman will represent Neal Lofts' Humberston-based Fight Ministry gym at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

ESPN will air Right to Fight – set to be one of the biggest MMA events ever held in Europe – to 40 countries.

The showdown in the West Midlands has come about after a merger between two promoters: 10th Legion Championship and Cage Warriors.

The latter is particularly renowned, having produced well-known MMA players such as Dan Hardy and Paul Daley, who are now big names in America's Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Bateman, 25, will take on Northern Ireland's Ronan McKay in the cage as he strives to continue to make headway in MMA – currently the fastest growing sport both worldwide and in the UK.

And Chapman, 23, will be making his professional debut at lightweight against Jya Gilby, of Birmingham's Ultimate Training Facility.

Bateman launched his professional career after reaching the final stages of the UFC Contender USA v UK show, screened on Virgin One last year.

And now the welterweight is relishing another chance to shine on television.

He said: "It's going to be a stacked-out fight card and I'm really looking forward to it.

"It is going to be one of the biggest shows in the UK this year.

"I know my opponent has a good ground game and some smart submissions, but I think I'll be far too strong for him in the wrestle, and another strength will be my striking style.

"I want to keep progressing and improving and will hopefully one day get the chance to fight in UFC events abroad, such as in American or Japan."

Chapman says he won't get stage fright when he makes his pro debut tonight.

The fighter, who won the 10th Legion Under-77kg Welterweight semi-pro championship belt in Hull in February, is ready to raise his game for the occasion.

He said: "It's the perfect opportunity to impress a lot of people. If I put in the good performance I'm capable of I should be all right.

"My opponent comes from a traditional Mu Thai background and is good at grappling. But he's not dangerous as such.

"He might use his experience to take the fight the distance and use his grappling by taking the fight to ground.

"I've been working very hard in training and feel my striking is more threatening.

Lofts, head coach at Fight Ministry, based in Wilton Road, Humberston, is delighted to have two of his fighters involved in the NEC show.

He said: "It's one of the strongest fight cards I have seen in the short history of MMA in this country – and it's great to have two of my guys in the mix.

"Both James and Louie have looked good in sparring and are in excellent condition."