Interview: Oli Thompson Ahead of Bamma 15

Oli Thompson Talks to Kingdom MMA Ahead of his Bout with Gzim Selmani at Bamma 15
by Chris Marzella - @ChrisMarzella

For most being cut from the top fight organisation on the planet can be the downward spiral of a career, but for a few it is the beginning of a very separate journey, one which focuses more on the martial art than status or popularity. On Saturday night one such man makes his BAMMA debut.

Heavyweight Oli Thompson is set to take on relative unknown Gzim Selmani as tries to tries to extend his post-UFC record to 4-1. Speaking to KingdomMMA ahead of the fight Thompson said: 

"I've gone 3-1 since I got cut from the UFC. I've got one loss which was against the KSW champion and that was a close points decision so I've got pretty good form after getting cut from the UFC."

"Defeat can make you assess yourself a lot more than when you're always winning. You don't necessarily change as much and adapt as much when you're winning. I guess it's one of the positives you can take from getting beaten."

Thompson is adamant that the end of his UFC stint in not the end of his MMA career, quite the opposite. He recalled his UFC experience, saying: "As far as I was concerned I was already building back up. It's still early in my career. I know when I was in UFC people kind of see you as you're at the top of your game and you can get knocked back down again but really I was still on my journey when I was fighting in the UFC. I'm bringing a lot more to the table now than I was then."

Moving on in his career, Thompson takes on Gzim Selmani at Bamma 15 in a fight that surprised a few when it was announced, with very few having any idea who Selmani or why he was being matched with Thompson.

Thompson explained the bout, saying:

"First and foremost there was some changes along the way and some opponents being banded about in front of me and some bigger names. The main cause of the fight for me motivation-wise was just purely because I wanted to fight and I'd rather fight than not fight." 

"I'm aware that this guy has not got a big name but he's just as dangerous, or more dangerous, than some of the other guys that I've faced along the way. They're all dangerous in their own way. I'm throwing this guy a bone because he's getting an opportunity without so much to lose. I do see that, but I could have been sat on my arse for another five or six weeks just going through the motions or go out and fight on a big show on London."

Thompsons BAMMA debut should be the first of several for the promotion as he aims to stay busy, with trips to Poland for KSW and the US planned as well.

He said: "I've got a few fights with BAMMA in the pipeline and we've talked about different future plans. Obviously I fight outside the UK, I fight in Poland and a few fights in the States as well. I've started mixing it up, I want to be busy as possible. I can't just fight for one promotion because it's limited how many fights you can get in a 12 month period and I want to be a lot more busy than I have been any other year before."

Despite the fact that he openly admits his opponent is not perhaps the name everyone had in mind when he agreed to fight for BAMMA, Thompson admits that he sees danger in Selmani, meaning he won't be taking his next outing lightly.

"This guy I'm fighting here comes from a good team, Golden Glory in Holland, he's a big kid and he's going to be coming here really hungry to come and get the biggest win he's ever had" Thompson said.

"I've watched a few bits of his fights and stuff. He's a young guy, he's fairly wild in what he does. It might be a case of fighting fire with fire and dampening his flame a little bit."

Her added: "I've got my own plans and if my plans come to fruition then I'm going to get the job done nice and quick and simple."

"I really think this could be a fight for the fans."

Not letting the UFC release after his defeat at the hands of Phil De Fries dent his confidence, Thompson is eager to build a nice little win streak for himself against some of Europe's elite heavyweights. He said: "My motivation is to just keep picking up wins and to keep improving." I've done quite well for myself whilst only sort of exploring and dipping in to maybe 50-per-cent of the things that I do in the gym. "

Oli Thompson takes on Gzim Selmani at BAMMA 15 from the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park on April 5.

Oli Thompson vs Gzim Selmani to Headline Bamma 15

Oli Thompson vs Gzim Selmani to Headline Bamma 15

Europe's flagship Mixed Martial Arts promotion, BAMMA, is proud to announce Oli Thompson vs Gzim Selmani as the Heavyweight headliner for BAMMA 15 at the Copper Box in London's Olympic Park on 5th April.

Oli Thompson originally made his name as a strongman, peaking in 2006 when he won the TWI Britain's Strongest Man contest and reached the finals of the IFSA World Championships, in which he came 8th. Thompson also notably attained 2nd and 3rd places in IFSA British Championship contests.  The 34 year old debuted professionally in Mixed Martial Arts in 2009, and went on to become UCMMA's Heavyweight Champion in 2011, before competing in the UFC then KSW. Training out of 1st Generation in Sussex with a professional record of 12-5, Thompson has gone 3-1 since fighting in the UFC and has won his last two bouts via TKO in the first and second rounds. 50% of Thompson's wins have come via Submission and 42% via KO or TKO. Thompson weighs 248lbs at 6ft1.

Gzim 'The Albanian Psycho' Selmani fights out of Golden Glory and Tatsujin Dojo in the Netherlands with a MMA record of 5-1* and a kickboxing record of 1-0, the victory scored via a flying knee KO. The Kosovo Albanian stands at 6ft 3 and weighs 263 pounds. He started training in Judo at the age of 5, then started kickboxing at the age of 12 before taking up MMA at the age of 15 with his older brother Egzon Selmani. Gzim debuted professionally in MMA at the age of 18.

BAMMA's matchmaker, Jude Samuel, said: "Selmani is mainly considered a striker. However at 19 years of age he has not yet had his patterns laid down which makes him unpredictable, dangerous and exciting to watch."

Indeed, 2 of his MMA victories have come via TKO and 3 via Submission. The 'Albanian Psycho' is also the Dutch Heavyweight Grappling Champion 2013, and the Rough Diamonds Kickboxing Champion 2013 in Germany. None of his fights to date have cleared the 2nd round.

Oli Thompson said:

"I have been looking to fight on BAMMA for a long time. The show always has a great look. I am bringing an intensity and athleticism that is not seen in many heavyweights, and I will put my body on the line to get the win at all costs. I want to become the first BAMMA Heavyweight champion"

Bamma 15 Set for April 5th, Oli Thompson to Feature

Bamma 15 Set for April 5th, Oli Thompson to Feature
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts 

 
Bamma is back with their first show of 2014 in April. Bamma officials announced today Bamma 15 will take place April 5th at the historic Copper Box Arena in London, a multi-sport venue which was famously used for the Summer Olympics in 2012. Ticket are expected to go on sale this week.

Bamma home to Paul Daley and Jim Wallhead is broadcast on 5* in the UK, AXS-TV in the US, KIX in Asia, Abu Dhabi TV in the Middle East, The Fight Network in Canada, Extreme Sports Channel in Europe, Setanta in Africa, Sony in Russia & Transylvania Media in Romania.

BAMMA's Director, Ashley Bothwell said:

"It's exciting for BAMMA to be holding an event in the Olympic Park at the Copper Box, as it carries a huge sporting legacy. 5th April will see the coming together of months of preparation for the fighters as all their hard work and sacrifice boils down to a few explosive, intense minutes. It is fitting that these crucial minutes should share a home with so many elite and aspirational sporting memories."

The line for Bamma 15 has yet to be confirmed however, as per a recent teaser video (below) former UFC Heavyweight and Britain Strongest Man Oli Thompson will be fighting on the card.

 Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest on Bamma 15

Neil Grove Out of Fight with Oli Thompson at UCFC 6

Neil Grove Out of Fight with Oli Thompson at UCFC 6
by Chris Houten - @Mrhouts

THE UCFC has confirmed that Neil Grove has pulled out of his fight with Oli Thompson in a UCFC heavyweight bout on the show held on Saturday (27th) at the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster.

A UCFC spokesman said: “It is with regret that the UCFC can confirm that Neil Grove has pulled out of his fight against Oli Thompson in their pro heavyweight bout. The UCFC is saddened Neil will not be appearing as his bout with Oli [the fight] would have been a crowd pleaser. Oli’s management team have already been informed of Neil’s decision.”

UCFC 6 is being headlined by UK MMA legend Ian “The Machine” Freeman and former UFC champion Ricco Rodriguez with form Bamma champion Jack Marshman, Paul Taylor, Darren “Powerhouse” Towler, Scott Askham as well as Zi Shah, Craig Burke, and Khaled “Ammo” Radman also on the card.

Adding a twist the the usual fight night, UCFC 6 will also feature a live pa by chart topping rapper Professor Green, as well as Jay Mya and the Educates and Sam Wright.

“There are still tickets available of the fight event of the year and if you are a fight fan then this is one show not to be missed." added a UCFC spokesman. “Good luck to all the fighters taking part in this talented fight card.”

Tickets for UCFC 6 are still available from £25 student concessions, £35 normal standard, £50 premier standard as well as cageside Olympic at £120. Call 0844 324 5590 or visit www.ucfc.tv or www.keepmoatstadium.com to purchase.

Professor Green To Headline UCFC Legends of MMA

Professor Green To Headline UCFC Legends of MMA

TOP British rapper Professor Green is heading the music acts taking to the stage at the UCFC-Keepmoat Stadium fight show.

Already the UK’s biggest fight show of 2013, the Legends of MMA boasts some of world’s top MMA fighters on its show being held in Doncaster on July 27th.

Now the show organisers have revealed that Professor Green will head an impressive array of music acts which include the Sunshine Underground and Jay MYa.

A UCFC spokesman said: “We are delighted to announce Professor Green is coming to headline the UCFC-Keepmoat Stadium Legends of MMA event.

“The event already has some of the world’s top fighters appearing and, combined with top class music acts such as The Sunshine Underground and Jay MYa, will be an event to remember.”
Professor Green has a string of top 30 single hits including “Just Be Good to Green”, “At Your Inconvenience” and “Read All About It”.

He has been nominated and won major music awards including the MOBO’s Best Hip-Hop Grime act 2010 and the NME’s Best Dancefloor Filler award in 2011.

The fight card is packed with some of the biggest MMA legends on the circuit including former Ultimate Fighting Championship legends Neil Wain, Ian Freeman, the former Vale Tudo champion and the USA’s Ken Shamrock, a UFC veteran.

There is also UFC’s and TUF finale contestant Andre Winner, Ricco Rodriguez, the former UFC heavyweight champ, the unbeaten Bellator fighter Karl Etherington.

The spokesman added: “As well as those top fighters we have more with Neil Grove, of Bellator, Dragan Pesic, Oli Thompson and Paul Taylor. Darren Towler will also be facing Colin Robinson in what will be an explosive fight.”

Not only is Keepmoat Stadium the home of Doncaster Rovers football team and the RLFC Dons, it is also the base for the Rover Belles female football side.

Tickets are now on sale at start from £50. Corporate - Box of 10 (£1000 + VAT) Limited numbers; VIP Restaurant - Tables of 10 (£850) Limited numbers; Olympic Seating - £120 (Cageside); and Standard Seating - £50.

To buy tickets phone 0844 324 5590, or go to the Keepmoat Stadium Ticket Office at www.keepmoatstadium.com or www.ucfc.tv