TUF 20 Preview: Sam Heard Previews The UFCs New Strawweight Division

TUF 20 Preview: Sam Heard Previews The UFCs New Strawweight Division
by Sam Heard - @SamHeard_

It has been a week since the UFC’s hugely discussed announcement that they would be introducing a Woman’s Strawweight division (106-155lbs), making it the tenth weight division to be featured on MMA’s premier promotion. To compete in this division, the UFC has signed 11 of Invicta’s most exciting Strawweight fighters. Equally exciting as this initial announcement was the development that these 11 fighters would be supplemented with a further 5 signings and would compete in the first ever all-women’s Ultimate Fighter. The winner of the show will become the inaugural UFC Strawweight champion. The stakes in a TUF show have never been higher; even in what I believe to be the most exciting entry into the series – ‘TUF 4: The Comeback’ – the prize was a title shot rather than the belt itself. To fight fans less familiar with Invicta, some of these new signings will be unfamiliar – rest assured they are certainly top-tier. Here is Kingdom MMA’s summary of the 11 new fighters and who to look out for when they compete on The Ultimate Fighter’s 20th instalment:

Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza (9-2)
Invicta’s reigning Strawweight champion must surely be one of the favourites to exchange her Invicta belt for UFC gold. Her strong collegiate-level wrestling base has been supplemented by improved striking and BJJ skills. Her only losses earlier in her career came via contentious Split-Decision and an unlucky Armbar submission.

Claudia “Claudinha” Gadelha (11-0)
Gadelha was supposed to challenge Esparza for her title only 10 days ago on the Invicta FC 7 card but was prevented by illness. Her flawless record alone is indicative of her prowess in the cage.  Gadelha may be seen as the Ronda Rousey of the Strawweight division, picking up 5 of her 11 wins by first round Armbar.

Joanne “JoJo” Calderwood (8-0)
Scotland’s own Joanne Calderwood has established a reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the Strawweight division. As is often the case with fighters hailing from the United Kingdom, JoJo is an explosive striker who turned to MMA after being a high level Kickboxing competitor. Though her last win at the aforementioned Invicta 7 event came via decision, 4 of her 8 wins have come via nasty KOs, certainly making her one to watch in the upcoming TUF competition.

Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig (9-5)
A popular character in the Invicta promotion thanks to her effervescent personality and entertaining promotion of fights, Lil Bulldog has bite behind her bark thanks to her background in high level Muay Thai. Sure to create some very juicy television when she goes into the TUF household.

Tecia “Tiny Tornado” Torres (4-0)
Though she has yet to achieve a stoppage in her 4 fight career, Torres’ training with American Top Team shows us how serious she takes her fight career. Known for possessing a very well rounded skillset, supplemented by her great natural athleticism. She achieved a Unanimous Decision victory over Felice Herrig on the Invicta 7 card – don’t be surprised if there’s still bad blood that’ll resurface in the house.

Juliana “Ju Thai” Lima (6-1)
Brazil’s Ju Thai has lived up to her nickname as a skilled Muay Thai specialist, with an all-round MMA game which has developed greatly in her last few ventures into the cage. Training under world renowned Vinicius Draculino has no doubt improved her skills exponentially.

Alex “Astro Girl” Chambers (4-1)
Formerly a fringe title contender in Invicta’s Atomweight division, Australia’s Chambers has agreed to move up to Strawweight to get a chance at competing in the UFC. With two first round KOs documenting her powerful striking, she is by no means a one-trick-pony as she has also shown to have some slick submissions.

Bec “Rowdy One” Hyatt (5-3)
The second Australian to have been added to the UFC’s Strawweight division, Hyatt has garnered a great deal of renown due to her love-her-or-hate-her ‘Mike Bisping-style’ effect on fans. With three of her five wins coming via submission, the Rowdy One has shown a great deal of skill on the matt despite Kickboxing having been her entry point into MMA.

Emily Kagan (3-1)
Training out of New Mexico with Greg Jackson, Kagan implements the smart fight IQ always associated with Jackson’s fighters. Though she is the most senior of the UFC’s Strawweight signings at 32, her professional MMA record is fairly thin. Don’t be fooled by this though as she has trained BJJ since the age of 18.

Rose “Thug Rose” Namajunas (2-1)
Thug Rose became the focus of the wider MMA world earlier this year with her amazing victory over Kathina Catron via Flying Armbar after just 12 seconds. I look forward to see what Namajunas will try to top that with, though at only 21 she has plenty of time to try. Attempting a demanding technique like that in her second professional fight demonstrates how comfortable she is in the cage.

Paige “12 Gauge” VanZant (3-1)
Aged only 19, VanZant has already got 4 fights under her belt and has bucket loads of potential. She’s recently joined Team Alpha Male’s new female contingent so expect to see her skills improve vastly while training alongside killers like Urijah Faber and Chad Mendes. Expect the 12 Gauge to be upgraded with explosive rounds and laser sight.

It’s safe to say that the twentieth series of The Ultimate Fighter will be one to look forward to. Not only is there that all-important UFC Championship at stake but it seems that the Strawweights who the UFC have signed are of a very high level – based on their records (which as we known isn’t the only indicator) they are superior fighters to the Female Bantamweights who have just competed on TUF 18, many of whom had far lesser MMA records. From an entertainment standpoint, the fighters will already know one another so when placed in the TUF house it’s safe to assume that pre-existing tensions will quickly rise to the surface. In a year which has seen gigantic steps forward in the world of Women’s MMA this development can be seen as the very ripe cherry on top.

Bamma Strike Gold with Mansour Barnaoui

Bamma Strike Gold with Mansour Barnaoui
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

At Bamma 13 Mansour Barnaoui entered the cage a relatively unknown prospect to UK fans. 3 months later, not only has Barnaoui earned and defended the Bamma lightweight title knocking off 2 of the best British lightweights around, he has established himself as one of the most exciting fighters under the BAMMA banner, and a promise product on the international scene.

With so many MMA events around the world, UK fans can be forgiven for not knowing much about Barnaoui as the majority of his fights to date have been in France where the Tunisian now resides. Yet at just 21 years old and a pro for just over 2 years, Barnaoui has shown he has everything it takes to hang on the international circuit… and he’s only getting better.

In just two fights with BAMMA, Barnaoui has shown he's got the skill set to not only be a fan favourite but to continue to grow to be a world class fighter one day.

In wins over Curt Warburton and Colin Fletcher, Barnaoui has shown the trademarks of a fan favourite: he is an aggressive, durable fighter with bags of heart, that can also mix it up with the best: he can strike, is great in the clinch, and can submit opponents. Which Ultimately led Barnaoui to finish 2 opponents who have had 5 UFC fights between them.

The Tunisians only career losses have come to American, Kevin Lee, a fighter who has just signed for The UFC and Islam Makhachev, an undefeated Ukrainian prospect who at 9-0 is probably not too far off a UFC contract himself.

Not only is Barnaoui an asset to BAMMA as a skilled fighter, being French may also provide BAMMA with a pantomime villain like character, which adds tension to a fight, makes it more interesting and ultimately sells more tickets. 

Barnaoui is by no means the finished product yet though, as he does have the penchant for dropping his hands in the thick of it for some stand and bang, but to his credit his chin hasn't let him down having never been finished in his MMA career. Bamma however is the perfect learning ground for Barnaoui. With 6 fight cards planned for 2014, Bamma can not only provide Barnaoui with the type of fights he needs to grow, they can provide him with the exposure he deserves thanks to several well established TV deal across the globe.

With the departure of BAMMA stars such as Tom Watson, and Jimi Manuwa to the UFC, BAMMA have been waiting for their next star who can go on to international fame the way both Watson and Manuwa have, and Barnaoui can be just that.

At just 21 years old and a pro of just 2 years, Barnaoui is just scratching the surface when it comes to his potential, yet to defeat 2 experience pros in Warburton and Fletcher, who worked their whole career to get to the level Baraoui is now just 2 years in, shows the natural talent Barnaoui is. A talent who is going to keep getting better, smarter, stronger and more disciplined.

Bamma 14: Daley vs Da Silva Results

Bamma 14: Daley vs Da Silva Results
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Paul Daley Def. Romario Manoel Da Silva – KO (Uppercut) – RD 2 (1:42)  

Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley returned to Bamma with a bang at the LG Arena, knocking out Romario Manoel da Silva in the main at Bamma 14.

Starting off slow, Daley started the first round measuring da Silva with a couple of hard leg kicks which left da Silva’s leg noticeably red, and a sweet jab that was money for most of the round. Da Silva offered little offense in the opening frame baring a pawing overhand right, which Daley could see coming from a mile off.

In the second round both men came out noticeably willing to exchange. Semtex continued to land the jab, cracking the much bigger da Silva straight down the middle, which cause the Brazilian to back toward the cage. Daley pressed forward faking an overhand right causing da Silva to raise his guard, leaving the fighter exposed for a vicious left uppercut that took the Brazilian off his feet, instantly knocking out the previously unfinished fighter.

“I heard my corner say to throw the overhand right. One of them caught him, but I could see he was expecting it, so I faked one. He thought I was going to go with the right again, but then I threw the left,” Daley said. “I knew [the fight was over]. You can tell by the way they fall. He wasn’t getting up from that.”

Mansour Barnaoui Def. Colin Fletcher  - Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - RD 1 (4:00) for The Bamma World Lightweight Title

Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui successfully defended his Bamma Lightweight Title in the evening co-main event, submitting Colin ‘Freakshow’ Fletcher via Rear Naked Choke in one of the wildest one round fights on the UK MMA scene all year.

From the opening bell Barnaoui burst out the gate like a bull at a rodeo with a barrage of punches, dropping Fletcher with a sharp left hook. Although Fletcher was able to get right back up he was meet with more onslaught for the 21 year Barnaoui who showed off his Muay Thai skills catching Fletcher with a couple of nice knees for the Thai plum.

Its wasn’t all Barnaoui though at Freakshow managed to break away from the clinch and catch Baraoui with a few crisp shots that sent Frenchman to the floor. Sensing a come from behind victory the former Ultimate Fighter contestant locked in a brabo, which looked tight, however Banaoui did well to defend and wiggled himself out.

Escaping the choke, Baranoui was able to take the back of Fletcher where he managed to trap one of Fletchers arms in a body triangle. With only one hand to defend himself and the champion on his back, there was little Fletcher could do to defend against a Baranoui Rear Naked Choke which saw the Englishman tap out with one minute remaining one the clock.

Jimmy Wallhead  Def.  Florent Betorangal – KO (Slam) – RD 3 (3:21)

Jim Wallhead returned to the cage at Bamma 14 to face French fighter Florent Betorangal hoping a win here would be enough to earn a shot at the Welterweight title, which he lost out on when he fought Eddie Ellis Bamma 13 – a fight that most people felt Wallhead won.

In the opening round both men began trading early, with Betorangal slightly edging it. In a difficult round to score, Wallhead may have been able to steal the round near the bell when he was able to get double under hooks, and take Betorangal down in homage to his Judo days using a O Soto Gari (outer leg sweep).

Batorangal came out strong at the start of the second round, catching Wallhead with a couple of good shots against the cage. Seemingly uninterested in trading with the Betorangal at this point Wallhead was able to get a double leg takedown and spend the remainder of the round chipping away at Batorangal in top control.

Probably need a stoppage at this point Batorangal came out strong for the 3rd round. Wallhead was able to back the Frenchman against the cage before getting double under hooks. Hoisting Batorangal in the air, Judo Jim took Batorangal down with a ferocious slam, which replays showed knocked Batorangal out on impact. Upon getting the takedown, Wallhead stepped in with a couple of good elbows for good measure before Marc Godard stepped in to rescue Betorangal.

Max Nunes Def. Ion Pascu – Unanimous Decision (29, 28)

Max Nunes returned to the cage for the first time since his September loss to Jason Jones for the Bamma Light-heavyweight title. Looking to redeem himself at a new weight class, Nunes took on Ion Pascu in a bout that may have middleweight title implications.

Ion was originally scheduled to meet the current Bamma Middleweight Champion Scott Askham for the title at Bamma 14, however Askham had to pull out due to injury, and was replaced by Nunes.

The opening round began slowly with each man attempting to size up each other range. Baring a couple of jabs there was little action from both men for the opening few minutes. The round closed with Nunes controlling the action against cage, which won him the round.

The fight came alive in the second however, with Pascu landing a thunderous kick to the body, which caused Nunes to back up before collapsing like a beaten man. Pascu did he best to finish the fight from there but was unable to. Little doubt though who won that round leaving it dead even going into the Third.

From the opening bell, it was evident Nunes had no interest in standing with the hard-hitting Pascu, dragging the fight to the ground within the opening minute. Nunes remained in top control for the remainder of the fight to take a judges decision 29-28 on all 3 score cards.

Wayne Murrie Def. Michael Johnson – Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - RD 1 (3:23) for The Bamma Lonsdale British Welterweight Championship

Tom Duquesnoy Def. James Saville - Referee Stoppage – RD 2 (4:04)

Leon Edwards Def. Wendle Lewis – KO (Uppercut) - RD 1 (1:20)

Harry Mcleman Def. Matt Howard - Unanimous Decision (30-27)

Andy Craven Def. Zi Shah – Submission (Heelhook) - RD 1 (0:37)

Tim Wilde Def. Jefferson George – Dr. Stoppage - RD 1 (3:42)

Tim Menzies Def. James Samuda – Referee Stoppage - RD 3 (3:16)

Matt Hallam Def. Curtis Widmer – TKO (Hammerfist) - RD 1 (2:15)

Ed Arthur Def. Ben Rees – Dr. Stoppage – RD 1 – (5:00)

UFC on FOX 9 - UK Betting Odds

UFC on FOX 9 - UK Betting Odds

The UFC is back this weekend with a flyweight title fight and a whole bunch of Team Alpha Males for UFC on Fox 9! We team up with partners Paddy Power to bring those who fancy a little flutter the latest clear cut, betting odds - Good Luck!

MAIN CARD

8/11 Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez 11/10

8/13 Urijah Faber vs. Michael McDonald 6/5

4/1 Nik Lentz vs. Chad Mendes 1/7

8/15 Mac Danzig vs. Joe Lauzon  6/4

 

PRELIMINARY CARD

EVS Ryan LaFlare vs. Court McGee 4/5

4/11 Edson Barboza vs. Danny Castillo 15/8

5/4 Bobby Green vs. Pat Healy 8/13

2/5 Scott Jorgensen vs. Zach Makovsky 15/8

2/1 Cody McKenzie vs. Sam Stout 4/11

9/10 Roger Bowling vs. Abel Trujillo 9/10

2/5 Alp Ozkilic vs. Darren Uyenoyama 15/8

 *Blue Denotes Favourite

Press Release: UFC London 2014 Ticket Information

Press Release: UFC London 2014 Ticket Information

Tickets for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT LONDON: GUSTAFSSON vs. MANUWA at The O2 on Saturday 8th March 2014 will go on sale to the public on 31st January 2014 at 10am. Ticket prices range from £40-£850 for the UFC VIP Experience. 

Londoner Jimi “Posterboy” Manuwa will face his biggest test to date as he goes up against Sweden’s Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson, who recently came off a narrow loss against world light-heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones.

The UFC has also announced that fan favourite Brad “One Punch” Pickett will make his flyweight debut against USA’s Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall. Pickett, who is also from London, dropped down from the bantamweight division in October.

The undefeated Manuwa has a unique opportunity to prove himself against his weight division’s number one title contender Gustafsson. “I cannot wait to enter the Octagon in London, where I grew up,” Manuwa said, “and to headline an event at The O2 after just three fights in the UFC is incredible. People think I am crazy and need a few more fights but I always say if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.”

“Alex is a huge test for me, but it is one I have long dreamed of. I’m ready to take this opportunity to climb up the light-heavyweight ladder and get closer to my goal of being a UFC champion.  I asked for this fight and thought Alex would avoid me, but he is a true professional and I have great respect for him; he knows my record and he knows how unpredictable every fight can be in the UFC. We’ve seen Silva, Jones and GSP all showing their vulnerability this year.”

His opponent Gustafsson said: “His clean record is impressive but I am one opponent away from challenging the champion again and I will fight my heart out to get a win in March.”

The Swede added that he does not believe that competing in London will be an advantage for Manuwa: “We will put on a hell of a show, but I am not sure who will have the hometown advantage since I expect an invasion of Swedish fans to come and support me.”

Brad Pickett said: “For me this is absolutely massive. I’ve fought in the UFC a couple of times in the UK, and the crowds have always been great, but to actually be competing at home in London is something I’ve always wanted.”

UFC FIGHT NIGHT London will also feature Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson taking on Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, for the second time in six months.  The original bout took place at UFC Manchester in October this year, but was deemed a no-contest due to an unintentional illegal knee from Guillard.  The two will look to settle the score once and for all next March.

Iceland’s Gunnar “Gunni” Nelson is set to face his toughest test to date in Russia’s Omari “Lakec” Akhmedov as the two meet in a welterweight bout. Nelson’s return to the Octagon will be met with eager anticipation after he underwent surgery on his knee earlier this year, leaving him sidelined after two notable performances in the UFC. The two opponents will both be looking to maintain their undefeated record, standing 11-0 and 12-0 respectively. 

Sweden’s Ilir “The Sledgehammer” Latifi will make his second Octagon appearance after stepping in as a late replacement for Alex Gustafsson against Gegard Mousasi in Stockholm last April. Latifi will take on French light-heavyweight Cyrille “Snake” Diabate, who last fought in London earlier this year. Another addition to the card will see England’s Danny “The Cheesecake Assassin” Mitchell make his UFC debut against Brazil’s Igor Araujo. The Doncaster athlete has a challenging test in front of him with Araujo’s record of five consecutive wins.

Fight Club™ members will have an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to this event from 29th January via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. To join UFC Fight Club™ go to UFC.com.

Tickets will be available to UFC Newsletter subscribers from 30th January. To sign up to the UFC Newsletter visit UFC.com and enter your email address.


Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT LONDON: Gustafsson vs. Manuwa will be available via www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.theo2.co.uk.

Interview: Paul Daley on Romario Manoel Da Silva "I Expect to Hurt Him, I'm Gonna Win"

Interview: Paul Daley on Romario Manoel Da Silva "I Expect to Hurt Him, I'm Gonna Win"
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Paul Daley is back in Bamma on Saturday for the first of a 3 fight contract, taking on Blackzilian brawler Romario Manoel Da Silva in his first fight for the promotion since his unanimous decision victory over Jordan Radev.

A feared striker, we talked to Daley about his recent announcement to pursue a duel career in both MMA and Kickboxing, his future aspiration, fighting for the Bamma Welterweight Title, and of course his fight with Da Silva. 

Houten: On the 14th of December you will headline Bamma 14 where you will take on Romario Manoel Da Silva, how excited are you to be getting back in the cage for Bamma?

Daley: Fighting is my job, I love my job. [It's] gonna be a great night at BAMMA 14.

Your opponent Da Silva is nicknamed 'junior killer' is this just bravado or does he live up to his name?

He's an aggressive fighter who works to finish, so yeah he can call himself a killer, ain't gonna help him in this fight though.

Da Silva looks to be a bit of a brawler, have you study many of his fights and what so you think of his striking?

Yes I've watched his fights, he's aggressive, likes to trade, but he also has submission wins on his record.

Da Silva has never been knocked out in his career (he has lost once by corner stoppage however), do you expect him to be difficult to be put away?
I expect to hurt him, I'm gonna win. I've fought a lot of guys who have never been knocked out...till they fight me.

You recently announced you will spend the first part of 2014 competing in kickboxing, how excited are you to be heading back into kickboxing?
Very excited, I'm gonna train hard for the fights, that get progressively harder. I feel the later part of my career will be kickboxing only, unless I get a BIG MMA MONEY offer. 

I want to purse fighting for Glory, K-1 or LEGEND in Russia. Right now I've signed with 3 kickboxing promotions, including a 3 fight deal with FFC.

Is the kickboxing deal a sign that you are looking to move away from mma?

Not move away from MMA, but master my craft a little more, especially as it seem to be grow and getting a lot of attention right now; I will still fight out my BAMMA contract. 

You have always been one of the more active fighters around, between Bamma, the option to fight for other promotions out side of Bamma and now kickboxing, how many times to you plan to fight in 2014?

I will fight 4 times before June/July, and maybe 3 more times after that. 4 kickboxing and 3 MMA, I hope.

You have expressed a real desire to rematch Alexander Yakovlev who you recently lost to, is that the mma fight you want next?

It's would be nice to get a re-match and fight him in the UK, but I doubt this will happen. I want the re-match in a cage. I also wanna fight the KSW champion [Aslambek Saidov], and take that belt for my cabinate.

Does that loss give you more motivation to get back to winning ways on Saturday night?

I am always motivated to win. To finish, the loss is out of my head, I just focus on BAMMA 14 now.

You said on the mma hour last week that you are not that interested in fighting for the Bamma welterweight title out of respect for the work Jim Wallhead has put in; if Bamma came to you and offer you the the title fight next, would you decline it?

Yes, I will not fight for the title until Jimmy has his re-match. If he loses it, which I doubt he will, then I will fight for the belt.

Your gym seems to be growing with spirit dojo having achieve some good results this year, what have you got lined up for the gym in 2014?

2014, we are gonna keep active on the kickboxing and Thaiboxing scene, taking every opportunity to learn and grow. We have one fighter who maybe ready for the international stage at a lower level. Hopefully in the next 18months we will move to a new facility. A bigger one.

Finally Paul is there anyone you would like to thank for helping get you prepared for your up coming fight with Da silva?

All my training partners of old, and all my training partners recently, was an honour to spare a few rounds with James Zikic in the lead up to this fight. All my coaches, Sunni, dave, Toby, Paul and head coach and mentor, Rupert Smillie. Mikes gym, spirit dojo, ultimate gladiators, banned fightwear, hooligans united and all my sponsor, family and friends. 

Bamma 14 takes place on the 14th of December from The LG Arena, Birmingham. Tickets are available from £25 through The Ticket Factory.

Interview: Jim Wallhead "I'm Very Confident I Can Bring Home the Victory"

Interview: Jim Wallhead "I'm Very Confident I Can Bring Home the Victory"
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts  

On Saturday Jim Wallhead will step into the cage at Bamma 14 at the LG Arena in Birmingham to take on French fighter Florent Betorangal. 

Looking for redemption for his September loss against Eddie Ellis for the Bamma Welterweight Title, Wallhead has been on a mission to find his "inner aggression again".  We spoke to Wallhead about his will to win, fighting for Bamma, and what we can expect out of his fight against Betorangal.

Houten: How pleased were you to hear Bamma are planning 6 events next year, surely this give you the opportunity to fight more than ever in 2014?

Wallhead: Very pleased, I want to be as active as possible in the next few years because this isn't the longest career going so really wanna get busy.
 

There is some great fights on the Bamma 14 card, would you say this is the best Bamma card to date?

I would have to say so, it's absolutely stacked and the undercard is awesome as well, so much talent it's crazy; it's great to part of it.

I know that you feel you won your last fight against Eddie Ellis, as do a lot of fans; how long did it take for you to get over that loss?

Yeah, it took a while but I've come out of it better - lessons have been learnt. It was my fault I lost, should of done more but life is all about learning and growing and I think I have done that.
 

In your fight against Ellis, did you feel any extra pressure fighting for the title, and do you feel this made you a little hesitant?

I created my own massive pressure, it was stupid. You want something so bad [but] you can put blocks in your own head. I was so worried about making mistakes I ended up being hesitant. Looking back it horrifies me, the state I was in mentally 
 

Is Ellis the fight you would like next with a win on Saturday?

I'm not thinking passed Betorangel but obviously feel like I have unfinished business with Ellis and if Bamma want to give me another shot I won't fuck up again

Your fighting Florent Betorangal on Saturday, how are you feeling ahead of the fight, and how has your training camp been? 

I'm feeling very good to be honest ,very relaxed and quite excited. [My] camps going surprisingly well and my body feels tip top for once.
 

Have you worked on anything specifically for this fight, and have you brought in anyone to help get you prepared? 

Just being a better well rounded fighter. I was to one dimensional against Eddie so I'm just trying to evolve a bit 
 

You said in an interview recently that you needed to find your inner aggression again, does this mean you have made changes to how you approach MMA, and if does this involve going back to your judo roots at all? 

Not gone back to judo roots as such but certainly trying to widen my game. I'm just trying to not overthink the whole situation and have a fight like back in the day. I just used to enjoy fighting then you add pressures
 

Some of the fans tuning in on Saturday won't be familiar with Betorangal. What are his strengths and weakness and what do you expect from him on Saturday night?

He is durable guy with strong striking and jiu jitsu. He has beaten a UFC vet [Carlos Eduardo Rocha] so he is a good opponent. It should be an entertaining fight.
 

I think your fight with Betorangal could play out like a game of chess, where you have great wrestling and Betorangal has some great BJJ to counter. Do you think the majority of this fight will play out on the ground?

When it goes to the ground I totally agree with you, I think standing as well. I need to be close, he needs to be long, so in all ranges it's a good technical aspect to the fight.
 

How do you see yourself winning the fight on Saturday?

I'm not sure how but I'm very confident I can bring home the victory,  it could be anywhere as this fight will go all ranges, and I know on my day I'm strong all round.

Final Jim, what has been your highlight of 2013 and what goals have you set for 2014??
Not been a great year lol, the Veach win was good but broke my hand so really in 2014 I just want to get a win streak going again and take it from there.

Bamma 14 takes place on the 14th of December from The LG Arena, Birmingham. Tickets are available from £25 through The Ticket Factory.