Father and son from Scunthorpe who are both set to compete on the same fight card at Caged Steel 40, taking place Saturday 5th July at the Doncaster Dome. In a sport defined by discipline, legacy, and resilience, few stories resonate quite like that of Matt and Cody Pepper.
For the Pepper family, combat sports are more than a passion, they’re a way of life. Matt Pepper, nicknamed The White Kimbo, is a professional fighter with over 30 years of experience in martial arts. A former top-15 ranked heavyweight in UK MMA, Matt has carved out a career through grit, knockout power, and a lifelong dedication to improving himself. His journey began with 80s martial arts films and blossomed into a formidable fighting career across MMA, bareknuckle boxing, K1, and more.
At Caged Steel 40, he returns to the cage to challenge for a Caged Boxing title, this time wearing just 4oz MMA gloves, a step up in intensity from the traditional 10oz format. It’s a bold challenge, and one that suits a man who thrives under pressure.
To fight alongside his son Cody, Matt expressed his feelings, “It means everything to me, we do everything together, we’re best mates as well as father and son he’s my favourite fighter and to fight on the same show and train together everyday to get ready is a dream come true.”
Standing alongside him is his 16-year-old son, Cody White Heat Pepper, a talented boxer trained at Kingdom Boxing Academy. Despite his youth, Cody already holds seven years of fight experience and a decade of martial arts training. A former kickboxer and Thai boxer, Cody now focuses on boxing and has developed into a technically sharp, confident athlete. His style? A pugilist specialist who’s more than happy to outbox opponents, but never turns down the chance for a KO.
Fighting with his Dad, Cody commented saying, “Feels like a dream come true we have always talked about being on the same card. Now this is the second time in front of a bigger crowd and this will be time for us to show everyone what we are made of. Father and son on the same card is unheard of and I thank you guys (Caged Steel) for making it happen and Caged Steel 40 we are taking over 👊.”
For Scunthorpe, this is a proud moment. To see two generations from the same family share the spotlight at one of the UK’s leading combat sports promotions is nothing short of special. It’s not just about competition, it’s about legacy, hard work, and a bond forged in the gym.
Caged Steel 40 takes place Saturday 5th July 2025 at Doncaster Dome. The event features 18 high-octane fights across Professional MMA, Amateur MMA, and Caged Boxing. Headlining the night is Iceland’s Aron Leo vs England’s Ryan Scope in a welterweight showdown. Grab an insight to the rest of the card here. Expect explosive finishes, entertaining walkouts, and family-friendly energy. Doors open at 5:00 PM — tickets start at £35. See all ticket types here.
Experience the thrill of live MMA action like never before by attending our upcoming event. Feel the energy of the crowd, and be a part of the excitement. Being there in person allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.