FARNWORTH fighter Saul Rogers insists his goal of becoming a world champion has not changed despite defeat on the big stage in America.

The town’s rising mixed martial arts start suffered a narrow loss in the first round of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix in Inglewood, California last Saturday night.

The 29-year-old lost a unanimous decision to Daniel Weichel 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27 as part of the major tournament stateside.

Rogers, who goes by the moniker, ‘It’s Saul Business’ insists he will bounce back though after seeing his professional MMA record slip to 13-3.

“Not the result I wanted Saturday night but it’s all part of the fight game,” he said in a post on Instagram.

“I worked really hard for this fight and had a great camp going in so no excuses.

“Congratulations to Daniel for a great fight, I hope you do well in the tournament.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who got me ready for that fight, for the amazing camp, coaching, training partners and more.

“Thank you to Bellator for giving me the opportunity to compete on the world stage in the FW Grand Prix. There’s many many many more people who put time and energy into me, to many to mention and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

“I’m just scratching the surface of this game and the goal and vision remain the same, to be a world champion.

“To everyone who supports me, flew over to watch me, or took the time to message me I love you all.

“We’re just getting started.”

Rogers returned from more than two years out of the cage in May with victory over Aiden Lee in his first fight for one of the world’s biggest MMA promoters in Bellator.

That win in Birmingham paved the way for him to enter the 16-man knockout tournament as some of the world’s finest featherweights go head-to-head.

Rogers’ preparation saw him spend a long time away from partner Nicola and his children training in America.

Back home, the rising star runs his own MMA Academy in Bolton Textile Mill on Cawdor Street, Farnworth.