Posts Tagged ‘BAMMA’

Andy Green to Lock Horns with Andrew Fisher at BAMMA 11

Green vs. Fisher at BAMMA 11

© Marc Wickert www.knucklepit.com
Special thanks to Izzy Carnwath
and Mike Clarke at The Fight Lounge

The term ‘Minutemen’ originally referred to the Massachusetts-based rapid-response militia who were ready for battle at a minute’s notice.  However, the title could also apply to MMA’s Andy Green.  The BAMMA 11 card first had Andrew Fisher facing off against Diego Vital, who had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.   Diego’s replacement, Paul Reed, also succumbed to injury whilst training for BAMMA 11, and so Andy Green gallantly stepped up to the plate at short notice.

Andy is not fazed by the lack of preparation time for his bout with Andrew Fisher: “I’m always training anyway so that wasn’t an issue, but obviously finding out I was gonna be on BAMMA against a top opponent meant there were more things I would have done if I’d had the time,” says Green.

Known primarily as a submission specialist, Andy has notched up victories via heel hook, kneebar, armbar and rear naked choke, and says he is looking forward to displaying his skills before the BAMMA 11 crowd on December 1: “Getting on the biggest stage in UK and European MMA is a privilege and an honour.  An even bigger bonus it being in my hometown of Birmingham.”

Andy Green kindly spoke to Knucklepit on the eve of his BAMMA debut.

Read the rest of this entry »

BAMMA 11's Dale Hardiman

Hardiman vs Ray at BAMMA 11

© Marc Wickert www.knucklepit.com

Special thanks to Izzy Carnwath

It’s just days out from BAMMA 11 and Dale ‘The Hurricane’ Hardiman has kindly found time to share his thoughts with Knucklepit regarding his BAMMA Lonsdale British Lightweight Title match against Stevie Ray at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.

And Gale is excited: “Preparations have been going great.  I feel sharp, strong and extremely fit.  I am injury free and my skill level is the best it has ever been.  I am improving leaps and bounds each fight and I look forward to showing off my ever-developing skill set on December 1^st,” says Hardiman.

Dale enters the title bout with a 9-3-0 MMA record to Stevie Ray’s 11-3-0, with both athletes possessing excellent stand-up and ground skills.  However, whilst Stevie Ray will be making his BAMMA debut on December 1, The Hurricane has notched up victories at BAMMAs 7 and 9.

Hardiman agrees this BAMMA appearance, being a title fight, has provided extra incentive for him.  “The BAMMA Lonsdale British Title is a prestigious belt.  I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity and I am motivated beyond belief to win this fight and become Champion.”

Dale, what has been your sweetest MMA victory, thus far?

Read the rest of this entry »

BAMMA 11's Warren Kee

Kee vs. Breese at BAMMA 11

© Marc Wickert www.knucklepit.com
Special thanks to Izzy Carnwath
And Nigel Burgess

When Warren Kee 7-1-1 and Tom Breese 5-0-0 step into the cage on December 1 for the BAMMA Lonsdale British Welterweight Title they will have a lot in common – on paper at least.  Both men won their first five pro MMA fights, both have victories by knee strikes, and both have victories via triangle chokes to their credit.

Then the stats start to vary: After Warren ‘Relentless’ Kee’s first five wins he went on to secure another two wins before a draw with John Quenn and a loss to Bola Omoyele – all battles which have helped to forge his skills and nurture his battle-hardened warrior spirit in the MMA arena.  Warren was then set to collide with Tom Breese at BAMMA 10; however an injury forced Kee to put their highly anticipated showdown on ice till December 1. 

So is ‘Relentless’ fighting fit for BAMMA 11?  “Yes I’m ready to go,” says a very determined Warren Kee, who sees December 1 as being a great opportunity to show the world he is back and a fearsome force to be dealt with!  “I have had a frustrating 18 months – December 1st is my opportunity to redeem that.”

And Warren agrees that fighting for the BAMMA Lonsdale British Welterweight Title is a huge motivator for him.  “Yes for sure, every fight is a big fight, but the added title makes it sweeter; it’s a major belt to have so I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight for it.”

Knucklepit was fortunate to catch up with Warren ‘Relentless’ Kee one week out from his title match.
 
Read the rest of this entry »

Max 'Power' Nunes Shaping Up For BAMMA 11

Nunes vs. Thompson at BAMMA 11

© Marc Wickert www.knucklepit.com

Special thanks to Izzy Carnwath

And Erkan Cetin, Director of Pro-Game Management

And Colin Nwadike

BAMMA 11’s fight card originally paired Max ‘Power’ Nunes 8-0-0 with Anth Taylor 5-0-0 for a light heavyweight battle at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena on 1^st December.  However, due to injury, Taylor has since been replaced by the Kevin Thompson 13-5-0.

Of Max Nunes, BAMMA stated: “The London based Swede has stopped all of his opponents in the 1^st round, with the exception of the hitherto undefeated Iain Martell, whom he finished in round 2.  With successes via TKO and submission, Nunes’ last fight saw him submit the doubly experienced Tony Moran at BAMMA 10.  Nunes fights out of Nick Osipczak’s New Wave Academy and holds the Fury MMA Light Heavyweight title.”

Kevin Thompson also likes to end fights quickly with only two of his 18 fights making it into the second round, and with nine of his wins being via TKO.  But the extremely cool and composed Max Nunes is in no way concerned Thompson is a more experienced fighter than Taylor or that he could be a tougher opponent.

“Kevin has had more fights than Anth and I put together, so he is experienced for sure.  However, this is not my first fight either so I’m not too worried about his record,” says Max.

Max ‘Power’ Nunes is eager to deliver another big bout for BAMMA enthusiasts on December 1: “I am really looking forward to fighting on BAMMA again.  This will be my second appearance and I am hoping to put on a good show for all the UK MMA fans.”

Max Nunes graciously chatted with Knucklepit about his upcoming fight.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sam Mensah Victorious at BAMMA 10

Mensah vs. Lazarz at BAMMA 11

© Marc Wickert www.knucklepit.com

Special thanks to Izzy Carnwath

One BAMMA 11 fight that is bound to rattle the Birmingham National Indoor Arena’s footings is the battle between London-based Polish fighter Marcin Lazarz 4-0-0 and England’s NOS-fuelled bulldozer, Sam Mensah 4-1-0.

Born and bred in Bristol, and sporting forearms that look like they’ve been chopped off a Congo mutsambi tsambi tree, KO specialist Sam Mensah etched an indelible impression in MMA fans’ minds when he knocked out Mike Neun in the BAMMA record-breaking time of just eight seconds.

However, due to none of Sam’s fights going past the first round, some critics question whether he would be gassed up to go the distance, should the necessity ever arise.  Of Mensah’s bout with Lazarz, BAMMA’s Head of Talent Relations, Jude Samuel, said: “This match pitches endurance against fast-twitch knock out power.  Will Lazarz push Mensah out of his comfort zone or will Lazarz run into a fast, dramatic stoppage?”

Knucklepit is grateful Sam Mensah took time out from training at Team Trojan for a chat.

Read the rest of this entry »

Jason 'The Villain' Jones

Jones vs. Vassell at BAMMA 11

© Marc Wickert www.knucklepit.com
Special thanks to Izzy Carnwath

The moment it was announced Jason Jones would be appearing on the BAMMA 9 card, held last March, MMA fans began to shudder as icy chills ran down their spines – even six Italian scientists wouldn’t have had trouble predicting this one.  ‘The Villain’ was about to unleash a quake of destruction on Poland’s Przemyslaw Mysiala that would register on any Richter Scale.

Now Jason Jones 18-9-0 is set to wreak more havoc at BAMMA 11 when he returns to Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena on December 1.  However, his opponent on the night will be Linton ‘The Swarm’ Vassell 10-3-0-1 who is coming off a five-fight winning streak.

BAMMA’s Head of Talent Relations, Jude Samuel, said: “I’m really fired up about this fight.  Both individuals are devastating athletes and for fans this bout will be a visual assault, as both guys are relentless.  Vassell has demolished a rung of opponents but for him, this fight marks a step up to international level and into more dangerous waters.”

Knucklepit was fortunate to catch up with Jason Jones, a man who talks big but delivers even bigger!

Jason, you did everything you said you would against Przemyslaw ‘Misiek’ Mysiala at BAMMA 9, TKO-ing him at 3:51of the opening round.  What are your thoughts on that fight? 

I have seen plenty of mistakes that I made.  

Do you miss the camaraderie of M-1 Global’s team structure, or are you more of a lone-wolf competitor?

Actually, so long as I can demonstrate my skills while beating someone up, I am happy.  

Your BAMMA debut made a huge impact on British fans, and you’re an athlete whose game continues to improve.  Have your skills stepped up another notch since March 24?

Read the rest of this entry »