BECOMING the first ever Welshman in history to win a UFC fight is a long way from sleeping in a gym in Swansea for a Pontarddulais sportsman.

Brett Johns beat South Korean Kwan Ho Kwak on an impressive unanimous decision at the SSE Arena in Belfast last month and is still on cloud nine after achieving his dream.

The 24-year-old said: “When I received the phone call from my manager at the beginning of November to say I has been signed to UFC I couldn’t believe it.

“But now I am the first Welshman to win a UFC in history and I am over the moon and couldn't be happier.”

Brett might have become a household name for in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) with 13 undefeated professional bouts under his belt, but he started off with another sporting desire.

Brett said: “I first started going to judo classes in Pontarddulais when I was 4 and over the years my main goal was to take part in the 2012 Olympics.

“As time went on I knew that it wasn’t going to happen, and when I was 16 I first seen MMA and I didn’t look back.”

After eight years of blood sweat and tears Brett finally got to take to the Octagon in Ireland and walked away undefeated once again, although he maintains that there is no secret on becoming an undefeated UFC fighter.

“At one point I was sleeping in the gym I train at. I have put so much hard work in and I am determined to win that UFC belt.

“There is no secret. You have just got to train like a champion. I have been training hard three times a day, six days a week for years and no one is more motivated then me.

“I would definitely encourage anyone who are interested in taking up MMA to do it. It teaches you so much discipline and respect for others," he said.

The next competition ahead for Brett and fellow Welsh UFC fighter Jack Marshman is closer to home and he couldn’t be more excited about it.

Brett said: “The next UFC European event is being held at the 02 arena in March next year and I can’t wait to get back out there.

“London is closer to home so will enable more Welsh supporters to attend the fight and I can’t wait to hear the crowd already.”