Bolton mixed martial arts star Jack Cartwright returns to the big stage next month aiming to get back to winning ways at OKTAGON 61 in Czechia.

The 30-year-old former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion is looking to take step towards becoming OKTAGON MMA world champion when he faces former title holder Mate Sanikidze in Brno on September 21

His 25-year-old Georgian opponent is the former OKTAGON MMA featherweight champion who made the move to bantamweight earlier this year.

But after his defeat to bitter rival Jonas Magard in Newcastle in January, Cartwright is more determined than ever to be the one taking a step towards the vacant bantamweight crown.

He said: “I’m happy to be back and ready to give a true reflection of my skills against a good fighter.

“I think the styles match up well, and I’m excited for the fight.”

OKTAGON MMA has proven itself on the European MMA scene, with high-level production value combined with competitive and engaging match-making helping them become one of the leading MMA promotions in the world.

And Cartwright hopes the next generation of fighters will be inspired by his exploits.

He added: “Young fighters in the UK should 100 per cent consider joining OKTAGON.

“It has treated me really well, and the fans are absolutely amazing across Europe.

“The production is really good, the show itself is really smooth, the shows don’t get held up or anything and you don’t want to be waiting around as a fighter.

“It’s a good place to go for a fight, there are tough fights and even match-ups and the exposure and the travel that you receive is just phenomenal.

“I’d advise any young fighters, or even someone later on in their career, if they want good fights to come to OKTAGON and have a go.”

Cartwright hopes to win in Czechia for Bolton and his native North West - as someone proud of where he grew up.

He added: “The North West produces the best footballers, the best musicians and the best fighters in the UK.

“I think it is just the best place in the UK, in my opinion. All the best football teams, all the best music, all the best fighters are all from the North West.

“Boxers, fighters, musicians - you name it, we have got it.

“Manchester, Liverpool and all of those places up there have always produced world class. You have a few from Birmingham, and a few from London and that is about it. The North West is just the best.

“I’m not sure why, maybe because it is cold and miserable, so what else is there to do up here? It’s horrible, so you just go to the gym and have a dust-up with your mates.

“I said to one of the lads in the gym today, we can’t do anything half normal can we? We just turn up, have a dust-up, have a hug and then tell our mates we will see them tomorrow.”