A young jiu-jitsu fighter from St John's has earned her first youth world title.

Twelve-year-old Bailey Mae travelled to Abu Dhabi, UAE to take part in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships - clinching gold in her match.

Bailey, who trains at Iron Fight Club in Worcester, returned to the UK on Thursday (August 8) with a gold medal in tow.

Her father Jacob Mallin said: "It was quite emotional when she won. The IMMAF set up a full podium presentation afterwards with their president handing out the gold medal.

"The national anthem started playing and I think Bailey felt very overwhelmed with what she had achieved in that moment.

"She has taken part in competitions all over the UK and won loads before but nothing on this sort of scale."

The five-day event was held in the Mubadala Arena at Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City, and Bailey was competing in the youngest category for 12 and 13-year-olds. Her match on Tuesday, August 6 consisted of one three-minute round where she defeated a Ukrainian fighter.

Bailey Mae's father, Jacob Mallin, said the young fighter was very emotional following her gold medal win.Bailey Mae's father, Jacob Mallin, said the young fighter was very emotional following her gold medal win. (Image: Jacob Mallin/IMMAF)

Mr Mallin added: "Bailey won by unanimous decision in the end and she kept her dominant position throughout."

The competition featured more than 800 young fighters from 23 different countries, and Team England placed fifth.

Mr Mallin said: "It was a brilliant event, everyone was really nice and professional throughout.

"It's definitely the biggest we have been to."

In June, Bailey was searching for sponsorship to help her make it to last week's championships.

Mr Mallin explained: "A Worcester company, Fit Out Management, offered to sponsor her for the trip to this competition.

"We probably wouldn't have been able to go if not for that support."

Bailey's father says she can't wait to go back to Christopher Whitehead Language School in September.

Mr Mallin said: "She's looking forward to seeing her friends and teachers and showing them her gold medal.

"We will aim to go to the IMMAF European and world championship events next year, which are in March and August.

"I've told her the world's your oyster."