HAVING picked himself up from the depths of despair, 22-year-old Launceston man Sam Stockdale believes he is on the cusp of success, thanks to his new found passion for Mixed Martial Arts...

Someone who has always been passionate about sport, Sam, an especially talented rugby and football player, never anticipated a career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), let alone one which has started so well.

"When I was very young I experimented with some Aikido in the back garden," he recalled, "but not enough to say I gained anything from it, apart from a takedown or a wrist lock, and not enough to hold my attention and (make me) want to progress."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.