Reality TV star Jake Quickenden sheds 20 kilos for pro MMA debut at OKTAGON 48 in Manchester on November 4

UK celebrity, Jake Quickenden is swapping reality TV for MMA this November, as he makes his mixed martial arts debut against comedian, Paul Smith at OKTAGON 48, in Manchester.

Jake and Paul’s 10-month MMA journey is currently being documented on Channel 4’s docuseries, Stage to the Cage.

Speaking on Stage to the Cage when he realised he had to drop from nearly 100 kilos to reach the welterweight limit, Quickenden commented: “That’s what I’ve got to lose? I’m going to have to chop my d*** off! I need to start training more!

Jake has been immersing himself in the world of MMA training, adapting his lifestyle over the past ten months to prepare himself for when he steps into the cage. Commenting on his training, he said:

“There’s nothing harder in the world than doing five-minute rounds. It is absolutely relentless. I think I did 6 or 7 five-minute rounds, wrestling, jiu jitsu, just continuous pressure.

“You’ve got to find something that you love…people are too easy to just give up nowadays, work is the process, this is where you grow.”

In a bout which will take place at an agreed 77 kilograms (170lbs or welterweight), Jake has had to adjust his lifestyle to ensure that he makes the weight limit. Incredibly, this will see him shred 20kg from his weight at the start of 2023. 

Stage to the Cage episodes 1-6 are now available now on Channel 4 streaming service and Channel 4 YouTube channel in the UK & Ireland

Roberto Villa

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.