Labour MP Will Stone, who recently assumed office as the representative for Swindon North, is set to take his grappling skills to a new stage. Stone, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and former British Army rifleman, will compete in Polaris 30, a professional grappling event, on November 2, 2024, at Fairfield Halls in London.
While navigating the complexities of politics as a new MP, Stone will now face a different challenge—competing against Matt Inman, an experienced MMA fighter and fellow BJJ black belt. Inman, a decorated middleweight and former professional boxer from Manchester, has trained with UFC legend Conor McGregor and has years of experience in both mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
For Stone, the transition from the political arena to the grappling mat is one of passion. As he shared during his maiden speech in the House of Commons, “I am the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt to be elected to Parliament, and I used to run my own academy. When I left the Army, I had offers to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the world, from Abu Dhabi to Arizona, but I picked Swindon.” His love for his hometown, Swindon, was evident when he explained, “I am often asked, ‘Why did you choose Swindon?’, but it is an easy answer for me: I love Swindon. I love my hometown. It is a wonderful town built on industry and is full of passion and hope.”
Polaris, one of the premier platforms for professional grappling, highlighted the match as a unique opportunity to see a politician step into the competition scene. According to their promotional materials, fans can expect “a thrilling clash of styles as Inman’s experience meets Stone’s determination.” Stone’s colleagues in Parliament describe him as “hard as nails,” a trait that will likely aid him in this high-profile bout.
Stone’s involvement in Polaris 30 is not just about testing his martial arts skills; it’s also for a good cause. He has pledged to donate his match purse to the Kelly Foundation, a mental health charity, showcasing his commitment to giving back even as he enters the competitive world of professional grappling.
Polaris 30 will feature several exciting matches, including a main event middleweight showdown between Condit and MVP, as well as a 70kg title match between Helena Crevar and Blackman. Stone’s match against Inman is set to draw attention from both political and martial arts circles, marking the first time a sitting MP will compete in a professional grappling event. The event will be available for streaming on UFC Fight Pass, giving fans across the globe the chance to witness this unique bout.
As Stone steps onto the mat, he brings with him not only the discipline honed from his military and martial arts background but also the resilience required in the world of politics. His debut at Polaris 30 is poised to be a memorable event, showcasing the diverse appeal of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the determination of a man who continues to balance his passions on and off the mat.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.
