Chope shows fighters the ropes

A professional fighter has been teaching classes in MMA, boxing and Muay Thai in Albany.

Will “The Kill” Chope, who was raised in California, has been fighting out of Thailand for the past seven years.

With 90 wins and a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Chope is one of the biggest names in Asia and has been in Albany leading classes with aspiring MMA students at Albany Fight Fit.

The 26-year-old has fought in many countries and regions, including the US, China, Taipei and Hsinchu in Taiwan, Saipan in the western Pacific, the Philippines, and Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand.

He is a URCC Featherweight Champion, an F-3 Championship MMA Welterweight Champion and a Taiwan national silver medallist in the Sanda Hsinchu Open, among others.

Chope said he was excited to be in Albany.

“It’s my first time in Australia and I absolutely love it here, teaching classes,” he said.

“It’s been so great to finally come over to Australia and with Dan (AFF owner Daniel McGrath) here in Albany teaching lessons and doing public seminars.

“I’m really shocked with the kids down here, they are so persistent and determined and are on a really high level.

“They have been great to work with. I’ve just been blown away by the kids, they have been awesome.”

The pro fighter said his most memorable career highlight was his UFC fight against Max Holloway. AFF student Michael Bova said he had never had the opportunity to train with someone of Chope’s experience.

“Getting the opportunity to train with someone like Will when you are into your martial arts is really exciting stuff ... doing just one session with Will is like doing five or 10 with someone.”

AFF owner Daniel McGrath said he was pleased to bring Chope down to Albany finally after keeping in touch since 2010.

“The students have absolutely loved having him here and he’s been great for teaching skill and confidence in aspiring fighters,” he said.

The lessons this weekend will be for anyone for ages nine and up.

For information, visit the Albany Fight Fit Facebook page.