Tunbridge Wells teenager Amir Marouani wants to be the English Conor McGregor

Teenager Amir Marouani wants to emulate MMA superstar Conor McGregor.

The 17-year-old, a sixth-former at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School, has certainly made an early impression.

In just 20 months since taking up Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he’s swept all before him and already has his blue belt.

He’s done so well he’s been signed up to fight on a sell-out promotion at Fairfield Halls in Croydon on Saturday night.

He’s up against fellow 17-year-old Ethan Weston, with the bout to be screened live on UFC Fight Pass.

“Amir’s ultimate goal is to be one of the best in MMA,” said dad Ramzi. “He wants to be the best at grappling, get to the top in that, and then transition to MMA.

“He already does boxing, kickboxing, judo, wrestling, so he’s a busy lad.

“His ultimate aim is to win the UFC championship and make his name in the MMA world.

“He wants to be the Conor McGregor of England.

“He’s doing pretty well so far. Hopefully the sky’s the limit.”

Marouani trains under coach Alex Salisbury at the Novo club in Hastings, travelling down after school.

Impressively, he’s stayed on top of his A-level work and plans to read sports psychology at university.

This weekend, however, it’s all about taking his big chance against Weston.

Ramzi said: “He’s been signed up to Polaris, who are one of the biggest grappling promotions in the world.

“He’s going to be facing another 17-year-old prospect, which has never been done before in the organisation, and it’s going to be shown live on UFC Fight Pass.

“The other lad started when he was seven, so he’s got 10 years’ experience and he’s got 10 or 12 kilos on Amir as well, so it’s going to be a tough match and a good test.

“They’ve put them together as prospect v prospect, so it’s going to be interesting.