One-armed kickboxer and son of a Chelsea legend makes amazing start to his career in top-flight fighting competition

Jake Peacock has vowed to waste no time in his quest to reach the summit of fighting after the son of Chelsea legend Gavin Peacock made an incredible start to his career at the top level.

Peacock, 30, was signed by MMA promotion ONE Championship after winning a tournament last year, with his 12-1 professional record made all the more impressive by the fact he is missing part of his right arm. 

He dominated his ONE Championship debut earlier this month, defeating Japan's Kohei Shinjo during their three-round bantamweight contest in Bangkok, Thailand.

The English-born fighter, who moved to Canada when his father gave up football punditry to become a pastor, is viewed as one of the best Muay Thai fighters in North America.

He has huge ambitions to become an international success in the ring. 

'Now that I'm on the big stage, I think I will no longer be underestimated. I want to challenge myself to do my best and give glory to God,' he said. 

'I'm going straight back on the drawing board. You have to acknowledge that there's always room for improvement. I'm looking to return to action soon.

'I'm not the type of fighter who picks his opponents. I'm always ready to scrap.'

Peacock hopes that his story can help inspire others to try to achieve their goals no matter the hand they've been dealt.

'I never even like to draw attention to [my limb difference]. I like to keep my head down and just do what I do and be recognized as a great fighter. It's an amazing opportunity to inspire and encourage people,' he said.

'I knew I was born for the big stage. I was born for the best competition. The thing about me is that I love to entertain. There's great fighters out there, but there's not a lot of entertainers – I can fight and I can entertain. That's what I'm going to do in ONE.'

Gavin played over 100 games for Newcastle and Chelsea and spent the rest of his career at Queens Park Rangers. His grandfather, Keith, was also a professional footballer who spent 15 years at Charlton Athletic. 

'I would say my dad kicked balls professionally for a living and I kick people's heads for a living,' he said. 'My grandad too, he played over 500 games for Charlton Athletic so it's in the blood.

'If anything it just motivates me more and gives me a real sense that I belong in a professional sport at the highest level. My dad did it, my grandad did it and now I'm doing it. I was born for it,' he added.