When one thinks of UK MMA, the first gym that comes to mind is Shore MMA. After firmly establishing themselves as one of the top teams in Europe over recent years from Jack Marshman, Brett Johns and Jack Shore making the UFC. To the recent top talents to make a name for themselves such as Oban Elliott, Roan Crocker and Levi Batchelor. The latest talent coming out of Shore MMA is Lexi Walton.
14-year old Lexi Walton holds a undefeated youth MMA record of 2-0. And is the latest name to come out of Shore MMA that has attracted attention.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Lexi Walton to chat about all things MMA.
Lexi Walton Interview
Good day Lexi thank you for joining us at Combat Sports UK. How did your MMA journey begin?
My Mixed Martial Arts journey started when I was around 4/5 years old. My dad used to take us to a local gym and me and my brother would hit the bags.
Then I went to kickboxing not for long as my dad took us to Muay Thai which we continued to do, as he wanted us to have knowledge of self defence we then mixed in jiu jitsu and competed in both from young age.
How do you feel it’s helping your progression at Shore MMA with such a huge talent pool there?
When i went full time at Shore MMA I think it’s been beneficial for me as I’m training and sparring along side of professional fighters, who compete at a high level.
And for me to be getting that level passed onto me I think it’s going to be so beneficial moving forward especially at my age. I’m working on all my areas within the gym and aim to get better with each session.
Who are your main influences in MMA? and why?
To be asked who are my main influencers are is a big question as I could name so many.
I’ll start to say I asked my dad to get me ‘ Ronda Rousey story through my father’s eyes’ DVD and I watched it so much it’s inspiring but also sad.
I remember doing my parents a picture in primary school with a picture of her saying I want to be like her.
And I’ve met molly at Cage Warriors years ago had a pic and Cory McKenna.
But I’d say it’s Ronda started me off and now there are a few I like so many styles I like Valentina Shevchenko, Angela Lee of ONE Championship.
Also seeing Jack Shore fighting in the UFC coming from a small town in Abertillery gives me the motivation to think if you put the work in anything is possible.
‘ Dreams do come true’ but yes so much talent and inspiration from Shore Martial Arts I’m so great full to be part of the team.
Being Promoted to Yellow Belt
You recently got promoted to a BJJ yellow belt, how important a moment was that for you?
When I got promoted to my solid yellow belt it was a great feeling, as I’ve previously said I’ve done jiujitsu for so many years.
All my promotions make it feel like all the hard work is achieving something, it’s what I love it’s been all I know.
As I’ve never been interested in any other sports like netball. You know all the what people seem to think are the only sports girls do lol.
You regularly post sparring footage to your Instagram with your Muay Thai coach Somkiat Chokkuea. How important has Somkiat been to your development?
As for my Muay Thai, I’ve done this since a really young age and I love my striking so much.
I’ve been with Somkiat since early 2018 and done Muay Thai since I was alot younger at previous gym for years.
Somkiat has really improved my striking he’s great, makes sure it’s all coming together and picks up on everything that needs tweaking he’s a great coach.
The Impact of Like Minded People
In Jack/Richard Shore and Carl Parker your learning alongside some of the most impressive minds in grappling. How much of an impact have your coaches had on furthering your glappling?
Jack, Richard, And Carl are great, obviously I’m going to say that but genuinely they are.
Jack I look up to as a coach and a friend, he jokes with me now and again and he always asks how I am, gives my advice on different things and I take it on board.
Like he says about school work is important etc which that’s the other thing I always want to achieve, good grades is another goal of mine.
Richard is the boss we all look up to him, as he’s helped the team set the bar so to speak and pave the path to hopefully continue.
Carl is my wrestling coach whom I work with every week, and always giving me knowledgeable advice thats bringing my wrestling on great.
I had a message off a hall of famer UFC legend on my page before Mark ‘The Hammer’ Coleman.
Saying make sure you are the hardest worker in the room, in your wrestling first one in and last one out as you got to have a strong foundation of wrestling, so again I listen to all these things to help me.
Have you set yourself any specific targets/goals in MMA?
My goals in MMA are to hopefully fight at a top organisation UFC, Bellator, ONE Championship.
I would imagine Cage Warriors first but definitely fight at hopefully the top, and I can’t wait to showcase all my skills.
Especially when it goes full contact as I’m preparing all my areas so I want to be a true mixed martial artist and strong in all areas.
Goals in 2023
What are you hoping to achieve in 2023?
MMA is on the rise for youth mma in the UK and that being said there’s some talent on the scene which I’m all for.
I’d like to have the uk number 1 spot for my weight, I’m all for us growing together in the sport, but if there’s any belts for youth out there in my weight I’d like a shot at it.
It’s all about gaining the experience in the amateurs win lose or draw, it’s valuable experience ready for the future levels.
I would also like to say that anyone from my previous gyms, even from when I first started out. I thank them all as they have played a huge part in my progression to where I am today.
All of us at Combat Sports UK, would like to thank Lexi Walton for spending time with us and wish her the world of success in the future.
