At Fight for Peace, we are always proud to see our young people go on to achieve great things, both in and out of the gym. One shining example is professional MMA (mixed martial arts) athlete and Flyweight World Title contender Jawany Scott, who will step into the ring on Saturday 12th July for his first championship bout with the renowned Cage Warriors, Europe’s leading MMA promotion.

Jawany’s journey from our gym in Newham to the professional MMA scene is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given the right tools, support, and belief to grow, not just as athletes, but as individuals.

When Jawany joined Fight for Peace he found a sense of belonging in our boxing sessions and was supported by coaches who saw not only his potential, but a young person capable of greatness. Initially unsure about his path, Jawany later explored muay thai, then discovered MMA through our sessions, and hasn’t looked back since.

Born and raised in Stratford, east London, Jawany was surprised by how embracing his coaches were when he first came to Fight for Peace, and in a recent documentary produced by our Young Creatives, shared:

“I had walked out [of a muay thai session]. I left and threw my gloves off, saying I wasn’t coming back. But the coach didn’t give up on me. He messaged me the next day and said, ‘You’ve got a lot of fire in you. That fire will either heat your house or burn your house down.’ That’s stuck with me for a long time. Any support I needed, I could always come back and speak to them.”

That powerful moment highlights the very core of our Life Champions approach, coaching that goes beyond technique, placing mentorship and personal development at the heart of sport. Our coaches are trained to support young people through the ups and downs in life, helping them build resilience, emotional strength, and a sense of purpose, tools that Jawany has carried with him every step of the way.

As he progressed, Jawany represented Fight for Peace in both MMA and muay thai at an amateur level before making the leap into the elite professional MMA scene. He has since built an impressive record and reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars.

Training under former UFC fighter Brad Pickett at GB Top Team, Jawany now stands on the verge of his biggest moment yet – a world title shot that could be the first step toward his dream of joining the UFC, the pinnacle of the sport.

Despite training at a top-tier gym, Jawany remains connected to his roots, frequently returning to Fight for Peace, attending home shows, training in our weights room, and inspiring the next generation of athletes who see themselves in his journey. He is not just chasing his goals, he’s paving the way for others to chase theirs.

As Jawany prepares to fight for the Cage Warriors Flyweight World Title, we celebrate not just the athlete he’s become, but the leader and role model he continues to be. His journey reflects the full power of our Life Champions approach, where coaching is as much about character as it is about competition, and where success is defined not only by titles, but by the ability to rise, give back, and lead with purpose. 

This is an approach true to our roots, and as a result of its impact on young people, we have created an online Life Champions course accessible to coaches from all sporting backgrounds who may want to implement it in their practice.

Jawany is proof that when young people are believed in, supported, and mentored holistically, they don’t just become champions in the ring, they become champions in life.

We’re wishing Jawany the very best of luck on 12th July at the prestigious Indigo at the O₂. The Fight for Peace family is behind you all the way! Keep an eye out for post-bout updates and more from Jawany coming soon.

Feeling inspired? Our free MMA sessions are open to all abilities and continue to nurture new talent. Recent Fight for Peace competitors took to the Fight Star interclub in Watford, gaining valuable experience in a high-pressure setting.

Join us every Tuesday and Friday at Fight for Peace:

• Juniors (7–14 years): Tues 4–5pm | Fri 5–6pm
  
• Main (14–25 years): Tues 5–6.30pm | Fri 6–7.30pm