Cory Tait

Cory Tait (born in England) is an English mixed martial artist, who competes in the bantamweight division. He is a former UCMMA Featherweight Champion.

Mixed martial arts career

Background

Cory is a natural born fighter, training in Tae Kwon Do since the age of 5. At aged 10 he got his black belt, then a year later he met his current trainer Gintas Bukauskus, who was the International no holds barred champion. Gintas trained Cory for many years as a kickboxer. To date, Cory has won several prominent industry competitions; BKBU English and European Under 16s Championship (2003-2004), Boys Under 18s British Kick Boxing Champion 2005-2006, 2007 European Kick Boxing Champion and was a World Amateur MMA Finalist in 2008.

Cory made the crossover to MMA at the age of 18, competing and winning many amateur grappling competitions then competing semi-professionally.

UCMMA

Cory made his professional debut against lightweight John Brightwell, he won by armbar in the first round. Three weeks later he made his UCMMA debut against Dino Gambetesa, Cory won by knockout via the crescent kick and was nominated for knockout of the year.

He received his first title shot shortly after but was out-wrestled and neutralised on the ground by James Lutman. However Cory worked hard on his wrestling skills ever since and soon got a title shot, this time for the UCMMA Featherweight title, where he demonstrated these skills effectively.

On September 17, 2011, Tait defeated Nathan Beer by TKO (spinning backfist and punches) to win the UCMMA Featherweight Championship.

He next faced face Spencer Hewitt at UCMMA 26 - The Real Deal. He has decided to vacant his newly won Featherweight title so he can compete at his more natural weight at 135lbs and go for the Bantamweight title. He lost 10 seconds into the first round when Tait was caught with a punch.

He rebounded from that lost when he defeated Huseyin Garabet by submission at UCMMA 28.

Personal life

Tait done an interview with 'MMA Prospects UK', where he describes that his inspiration in taking up martial arts was 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and hyper activity'. He also mentions where his nickname 'Capcom' comes from, his early MMA career amongst other things.

MTV UK have done a documentary on MMA in the UK, with Tait, Jimi Manuwa, and Jack Marshman being filmed in the build-ups of their next fights and the training and lifestyles involved

Mixed martial arts record

|- |Win |align=center|6–2 |Jody Collins |Submission (Toe Hold) |UCMMA 31 | |align=center|1 |align=center|1:47 |London, England | Won UCMMA Bantamweight Championship Belt |- |Win |align=center|5–2 |Huseyin Garabet |Submission (rear-[...] choke) |UCMMA 28 | |align=center|2 |align=center|3:06 |London, England | |- |Loss |align=center|4–2 |Spencer Hewitt |KO (punch) |UCMMA 26 - The Real Deal | |align=center|1 |align=center|0:10 |London, England |Return to Bantamweight. |- |Win |align=center|4–1 |Nathan Beer |TKO (spinning backfist and punches) |UCMMA 23 - Go 4 It | |align=center|2 |align=center|N/A |London, England |Featherweight bout, Won UCMMA Featherweight championship |- |Win |align=center|3–1 |Danny Pearson |TKO (punches) |UCMMA 19 - Lights Out | |align=center|1 |align=center|N/A |London, England | |- |Loss |align=center|2-1 |James Lutman |Decision (unanimous) |UCMMA 17 - Kings of the Cage | |align=center|3 |align=center|5:00 |London, England | |- |Win |align=center|2–0 |Dino Gambatesa |KO (crescent kick) |UCMMA 16 - Unbelievable | |align=center|2 |align=center|0:10 |London, England | |- |Win |align=center|1–0 |John Brightwell |Submission (armbar) |Cage Warriors 38 - Young Guns | |align=center|1 |align=center|1:31 |Kentish Town, England |