The one-armed kickboxer and son of a Chelsea legend is off to a fantastic start to his top-flight career

Jake Peacock has vowed to waste no time in his quest to reach the top of the game after the son of Chelsea legend Gavin Peacock made an incredible start to his top-flight career.

Peacock, 30, was signed by MMA promotion ONE Championship after winning a tournament last year, with his 12-1 professional record made even 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 soccer expertise to become a priest, is considered one of the best Muay Thai fighters in North America.

The 30-year-old is enjoying a successful fighting career despite missing part of his right arm

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

‘Now that I’m on the big stage, I think I won’t be underestimated anymore. I will challenge myself to do my best and give glory to God, he said.

‘I’m going straight back to the drawing board. You have to recognize that there is always room for improvement. I look forward to returning to action soon.

‘I’m not the type of fighter who chooses his opponents. I’m always ready to scrap.’

Peacock hopes his story can help inspire others to try to achieve their goals, no matter what 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 a great 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 are great fighters out there, but not many entertainers – I can fight and I can entertain. That’s what I need in ONE.’

Peacock is the son of former Chelsea star Gavin Peacock, who also played for Newcastle

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 grandfather 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 of belonging in a professional sport at the highest level. My father did it, my grandfather did it and now I’m doing it. I was born for it, he added.