VIDEO: Harry Marple has the BAMMA bug

'Dirty Harry' is determined to take out Shane Gunfield in the BAMMA cage and continue to make a name for himself,

BAMMA (British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) are back with their 23rd edition, a 'Night of Champions,' where five of the organisation's titles will be contested.

Marple won't be going for a belt but he wants to get people talking by doing a number on Gunfield, stepping in for long-term injury victim Tim Menzies.

The promising welterweight, who turned 25 this week, left the amateur code undefeated after 11 outings, with nine wins by stoppage.

He's made an explosive start in his first two BAMMA bouts, too, turning over by squeezing a submission out of Chris Astley with a Japanese neck tie in the second round of his debut.

He then overcame Sergiu Berdila in just 83 seconds after battering him with his knee, with both victories coming at the Barclaycard Arena.

He's confident of making it a hat-trick, saying: "I've only been the distance twice. Once was in a tough amateur title fight and the other in a tournament, in the last of three bouts I'd had that night.

"This is the last show of the year and I want to go out with a bang. I've got a lot of family and friends going and I don't want to disappoint them. There will be a finish, mark my words!"

The plasterer by day is from the Team Kaobon gym in Cannock, run by former world kickboxing champion and UFC fighter Paul 'Relentless' Taylor.

The 35-year-old retired two years ago and is now concentrating on coaching, with Marple one of his most promising graduates.

The former Wolgarston High School student has been with Taylor, who will be in his corner this weekend, ever since he took up MMA seven years ago.

He said: "I didn't get into the sport until I was 18 and it's been a big part of my life ever since. I've always been in the same gym and I've come on leaps and bounds.

"I've got a good team, we work well directly. Paul has been there and done it, so he's been able to nurture me all of the way through it.

"My other main coach is Brett Reeves, we do a lot of work together and he's my main pad man, so he knows how hard I can hit.

"But this game is not about brutality, you've got to think clever. I know how to work on the ground and I've had a few wins by submission.

"It's not a place to take a breather, it can sap more energy than if you were on your feet. It's a good place to grind your opponent down.

"My hand and foot speed is there, so I'd prefer to be on the attack forcing the stoppage that way. That's where you can expect fireworks."

Long term, Marple has got his eyes on following Taylor into the Ultimate Fighting Championship and has seen how BAMMA stardom can lead the way.

The organisation's last Lonsdale welterweight champion, Leon 'Rocky' Johnson, left to join the UFC and fights under their banner again next month.

Marple said: "I'm happy with BAMMA, they are a great promotion. This is my third fight for them and they are the biggest show in Europe right now. It's the only stepping stone towards the UFC.

"They'll get me a title shot eventually and, with the welterweight belt being vacant, hopefully I can get some quick results and be in contention.

"The last guy to hold the belt was a fighting champion and, through that, got his chance to go and fight for the UFC.

"One day, maybe I'll do the same and get the call. I want to achieve all that I can, but I need to become a big star for BAMMA first."

Tickets are still available from www.bamma.com and www.barclaycardarena.co.uk, or by calling 0844 338 8000. The show will be broadcast on Spike TV and Channel Five.