Slimane returned to the ring at the Sunderland Live Arena when he made his debut on the up-and-coming 8ight Strikes promotion, which involved stand-up strike fights – UFC-style contests but without the grappling.

The new combat sport is really taking off and sees competitors able to use all eight striking weapons – two fists, two elbows, two knees and two feet – hence the name.

It delivers explosive stand-up action from start to finish with bouts decided using a unique points system.

Fighters earn points by winning rounds, scoring knockdowns and producing the better overall performance. At the end of the fight, the competitor with the most points is declared the winner.

Fast-paced, unpredictable and packed with action, 8IGHT Strikes has quickly built a reputation for producing some of the most exciting stand-up contests in combat sports.

Slimane gave it a go and was pleased with the result when he took on Andy Walsh.

After six pull-outs in the lead-up to fight night, including two potential opponents backing out in the week of the fight, he managed to get an opponent and the contest was set with Walsh stepping in at short notice.

The Castleford top 10 ranked Muay Thai man came out strongly, cutting his opponent early with elbows then following up on that cut to open the wound more.

The fight was stopped briefly as the doctors wanted to have a look at Walsh’s cut to make sure it was safe to continue.

But once the action was restarted Slimane again came out strongly, engaging into a clinch and landing two solid knees on his opponent's head, sending his opponent crashing to the canvas.

Walsh showed true toughness to beat the count and get back to his feet as he came back at Slimane, hoping to land something big to turn the fight back into his favour.

But the Castleford man beat him to the punch, landing a left hook that ended the fight.

Slimane took to the ropes to celebrate with his supporters by downing a pint of beer before getting his hand raised.

He now looks to carry this momentum on to November 28 when he has his next fight, looking to end the year with another win before setting his sights on world title honours next year.