'I didn't want to go from paratrooper to prison'

Cameron Else says he wants to help train the next generation of martial arts competitors in Margate

Martial arts fighter Cameron Else has spoken about how the sport helped him manage his emotions after struggling to readjust to civilian life after his military service.

The 38-year-old, from Kent, has fought on some of the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) brands in the world, including Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Mr Else's said his time in the military is "something I hold close to my heart, it made me see my full potential".

He joined the parachute regiment back in 2004 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008.

"I was all right, many of my friends didn't come back and there were friends who came back with lost limbs," he said.

When he returned home in 2010, he struggled with the "tough" readjustment to life back in Margate.

He said he was "getting into a lot of trouble" and "fighting down the town".

"I'd be out and some locals would be disrespectful towards the military," he said.

"I'd be so passionate about protecting my brothers. I'd be the one who stepped up and I became the villain."

Mr Else said he struggled to readjust to civilian life after serving in Afghanistan

Mr Else said a friend advised him to take up martial arts to control his emotions.

Mr Else said he avoided prison in 2012 after he had admitted in court assaulting his "old best mate" who had served in the military with him.

"It put him in hospital, it was serious," he added.

He said he "found martial arts during the trial going on for a year" and "realised I didn't need to express myself fighting".

'I took my punishment'

"I took my punishment and I haven't been in trouble since. I didn't want to go from being a paratrooper from Margate to ending up in prison at 24."

In 2020, he signed with major brand UFC and has had 11 wins from his 17 professional bouts in MMA.

Mr Else is also a trainer in martial arts in Margate and has plans to open his own gym next year.

"I think I am the most decorated martial artist from Thanet, all I want to do is inspire," he said.

"I want to change the mindset of people who live in Margate and other small towns."

Mr Else hopes one day he will be a UFC champion and also has ambitions to help make Margate "one of the best places for martial arts stars to come from".

"I know I've opened many doors in the MMA world and I want to help the next generation come through," he said.

Mr Else faced Shirzad Qadrian in a featured three-round contest at Cage Warriors 192 at indigo at The O2 on Saturday but was defeated by technical knockout.