'I've been in a cage and wrestled': Gordon Ramsay admits he keeps fit with controversial 'no holds barred' MMA fighting 

  • 50-year-old has his own personal coach and has even fought in a cage 12 times 
  • Combat sport allows striking and grappling and is at the centre of controversy
  • Ramsay believes the sport is safe and praised the game's chiefs for its success 

By Anthony Joseph and Jj Nattrass For Mailonline

Published: 09:58 EST, 29 December 2016 | Updated: 10:06 EST, 29 December 2016

TV chef Gordon Ramsay admitted he keeps fit with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

TV chef Gordon Ramsay admitted he keeps fit with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

The 50-year-old has his own personal coach and has even fought in a cage 12 times.

The full-contact combat sport allows both striking and grappling and has been at the centre of controversy regarding safety of competitors.

The sport has a high injury rate, 229 per every thousand, compared to most others. 

But Ramsay believes the sport is safe and praised the game's chiefs for its success.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Three years ago I started taking my first lessons. I have a coach in LA and it’s something I love doing. 

'I don’t do it at home but I’ve been into a cage and worked closely with a coach and it’s something I’ve worked heavily on in the last couple of years.

'I started it because it’s a work of art. You’re standing there in that cage and the door gets closed an you think "this is it". 

'Now I’ve been in 12 times and had the most amazing time, but would I do it publicly? Not really, no. But I do enjoy doing it.

'Dana White I know very well and the brother that brought that company Franco Lorenzo. You can see what they’ve done with that sport. 

'Everyone got a little upset when they were watching the girls fight. And of course it gets a little bit messy and you get cuts, but it’s not long term injuries. 

'You’re not getting brain damage or anything like that – they tap out early on. 

'There’s a lot of safety mechanisms in place to prevent them from lifelong injuries.'

Ramsay believes the sport is safe and praised the game's chiefs for its success

Meanwhile, the Ramsay clan have been posting updates of their Christmas holiday in the Maldives on social media.  

In one snap, taken by 15-year-old Tilly, the whole family can be seen beaming as they enjoy a night on the beach in their pyjamas - with the girls and boys rocking matching looks.

Uploading the snap to her Instagram account, Tilly - Gordon and wife Tana's middle daughter - revealed her family's fun streak.

Matching! The Ramsay clan (L-R: Jack, Holly, Megan, Tilly, Tana and Gordon) got into the festive spirit during their Christmas break in the Maldives by dressing up in matching PJs

Roving Ramsays: Clearly enjoying their break from the grim weather in England, the family have been keen to document their time away - including another family snap in a miniature car

Cosying up together on the sand at night, Gordon, Tana, twins Jack and Holly, 16, Tilly and 18-year-old Megan can be seen posing in their pjs.

All the girls including Tana are dressed in red tops and black pyjama bottoms with white polka dot spots.

Gordon and his doppleganger son sport matching tees with a cartoon reindeer as well as grey tartan bottoms. 

Clearly enjoying their break from the grim weather in England, the family have been keen to document their time away.

Taking to their various Instagram accounts, the Ramsay family have shared a plethora of sunny snaps from the idyllic island.  

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