IF ASKED to name the fastest growing sport in the world few would come up with the correct answer, cage-fighting, writes Matt Diner.

Inspired by American imported Ultimate Fighting Championship hundreds are flocking to gyms to take part in a sport combining mixed martial artistry and boxing.

The sport has broken pay-per-view records in America with viewers turning to UFC rather then its cousin, boxing.

Alan Mortlock a local based promoter feels the interest is linked with fascination of an old civilisation. He said: "I believe it is very reminiscent of ancient Rome. It is very Gladiatorial."

Neil Addington is a fighter who for nine years specialised in tae-kwan-do as well as other martial arts disciplines. The 24-year-old then watched a cage fight and felt it was something he could be good at.

He said: "I got good at tae-kwan-do and wondered what to do next, I saw cage-fighting and thought I want a piece of that."

There is a lot in common between cage fighting and the ancient sport. Fights take place within the octagon, with few rules.

Competitors are allowed to kick and punch. There are also a lot of grappling and ground moves, where a sound knowledge of mixed martial arts is essential.

Mortlock started promoting mixed martial arts in 2000 and also promotes boxing.

The 52-year-old sees cage fighting as the way forward with British fighters playing a key role in this.

He said: "It is the sport of the future. Michael Bisping is a Brit who is fighting in America as part of UFC and he is encouraging a lot of young people."

Bisping has been a revelation across the pond and has been emphatic so far with a mixed martial arts record of 15 wins, nine by knockout and no defeats.

Cage fighting isn't without controversy with many doctors and academics insisting that the sport should be banned due to its ruthlessness and brutality. Some have even described the sport as human cock fighting.

Mortlock himself initially had reservations about the sport, but after reading up and seeing fights take place quickly changed his mind. He said: "It is very safe, the competitor can tap out an any time and the referee can stop the fight at any time, there hasn't been a single death in cage-fighting."

He added: "It's very disciplined. Two people have trained very hard, there is no room for drugs or boozing."

The East End-born promoter also feels the fighters set a good example for youngsters. He said: "They are good role models. They show young people what they can achieve. To keep away from drugs and work hard."

Addiington feels you have to be a real hard-working athlete to succeed. He said: "You need stamina, speed and strength for starters and be highly motivated to excel."

The welterweight wants to eventually turn pro and work his way up to make a name for himself in the sport. He said: "I want to get a couple of amateur fights in and hopefully become amateur welterweight champion, then turn pro and then go onto win professional Welterweight title."

Mortlock is himself a mixed martial artist with over 40 years experience, starting as young as 13 with karate. He also has experience in Bashido, kick-boxing as well as Thai kick-boxing. He has his own gymnasium in Walthamstow where he has started classes and is looking to train new fighters that live local to the area.