YORK’S first professional mixed martial arts encounter failed to chart a home success.

Tom Woodfin of the York MMA was unable to successfully combat the raw core strength of Qasim Shafiq, of the Cage Steel club in Dewsbury.

For almost all of the three rounds of the 77-kilogramme MMA battle Woodfin was pinned to the deck. Although he withstood the fierce pressure of his opponent, steadfastly refusing to yield or tap out, the York battler was convincingly beaten in the war of attrition.

The pro clash had full ground and pound status, where any blow goes, while two earlier bouts brought the Nevada State Athletic Commission rules into force – also for the first time in York.

Under those regulations semi-pro MMA fighters can hit a foe to the head while on the canvas, but unlike in the pro ranks elbows are not allowed.

The historic contest lasted just under three minutes of the first of two scheduled five-minute rounds. Grimsby’s Mo Abul Mawa wrestled Leeds Cage fighter Alex Ranjbar to the canvas and, after receiving several spiteful blows, the Leeds man was adjudged unable to defend himself under ground and pound rules.

The second NSAC showdown was even shorter. It took Sheffield Shoot Fighter Sam Boult one minute and 57 seconds to lock Todmorden’s Rob Hardman into a head triangle submission hold for victory.