Acton -based mixed martial artist Jim Wallhead faced disappointment in Hamburg when he fell on the wrong side of a close judges' decision in his first ever UFC fight.

The 32-year-old judo expert told getwestlondon that being signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) - highest tier of mixed martial arts (MMA) – was a dream come true.

But a closely fought battle with fellow newcomer to the big leagues Jessin Ayari ended in defeat for Jim in Germany on Saturday night (September 3).

Speaking after the fight Jim, who fights out of London Shootfighters Gym in Acton, said: “I need to watch the fight back. I'm not happy with my performance.

“I just couldn't get close to him the whole fight.

“Very good game to him, fair play. I messed up. I feel like I've let a lot of people down.”

Jimmy Wallhead made his UFC debut taking on Jessin Ayari at UFC Fight Night in Hamburg on September 3

Having been an MMA fighter for 11 years, Jim now has a professional fight record of 29 wins and 10 losses.

In a tweet post-fight, Jim said: “Thanks everyone for the support, I'm sorry at my performance. I've watched it back was close thought I edged it.”

Supporters also took to Twitter to encourage the fight veteran after the loss, including fellow MMA fighter Michael Page

MMA combines different martial arts and combat sports into one discipline including Muay Thai, boxing, jiu jitsu and wrestling.

Jimmy Wallhead