Eugene Fadiora

Rather than finding himself in trouble or being out on the streets, Eugene Fadiora began his journey through practicing Karate as a youngster. Constantly moving home, Fadiora found it difficult to work through the belt system; going from school to school, adapting new styles and having to start from scratch every time. After 10 years of the martial art Eugene found that standing in line at the dojo and participating in semi-contact sparring was not to his satisfaction. Moving into kickboxing he began to push things further and began BJJ through a friend. The expense of following both disciplines led to Eugene moving fully to the BJJ gym and getting involved within the MMA classes; bringing all elements of his game together and competing ever since he was 17.

Starting at Team Supreme in Cannock, Fadiora decided to move on after several years due to an altercation with the fight team and management, although Paul Taylor and Dan Korbely provided Eugene with a new home at Pure MMA. Through his training and development at Pure MMA, Taylor gave Eugene the chance to train with him at Team Kaobon in Liverpool and showed him another side to his MMA ability. Faidora being more than grateful for the opportunity still makes the trips to Kaobon as regularly as possible.

Most of my training is done at Pure MMA with Paul and the other lads there but I go to Kaobon as often as I can especially during fight camps because their level is just so high. Every time I go I know my level is going up too.

Eugene is dedicated to his own cause and training, not being much of a viewer of the sport unless he is supporting his own teammates. However, he does recall Taylor v Kelly as being the most exciting 30 seconds of MMA action he has ever seen. 8 weeks out from a bout, Fadiora will switch his attentions to his fight camp, starting to watch his food intake and bringing his weight down gradually. Fitting in training around his shift work he’ll look for the best opportunities from both the Pure MMA and Kaobon timetables, working from bad positions, stepping up technique and making sure that his training simulates fight conditions the best he can. Taking in the advice of coaches, Fadiora will look to improve weaknesses within his camp and will be aware of what his opponent will bring to the fight.

I generally have a rough idea of what my opponent likes to do. I don't cater for it; I just up everything that I do making everything better so I’m ready for whatever he has to throw at me.

Stepping into the octagon as an amateur was far easier for Fadoira where he managed his training around school and university simpler than with his current working commitments. In some of his earlier bouts, Eugene reflects on using Karate blocks and many other techniques that he has dropped from his toolkit. However, as it is clear to see from his fights, he has since progressed from those early days, adding to his repertoire and in his eyes, being close to where he wants to be as a professional.

With family and work taking up more of his time, Eugene has to be smarter with the way he trains and prepares for bouts, making sure that every session counts. However, despite the tough opponents that he has faced, this work-fight-life balance has been his biggest obstacle; trying to be the fighter, father and partner that he wants to be and making sure that nothing slips in the process.

As an amateur it was a cool hobby for me. Now I’m looking to build my future on fighting and making it my day job to pay bills so I’m doing something that I love. There isn't a better job in the world than doing something you love doing and being paid for it.

Fadiora’s (12-1) only loss to date has been to Gunnar Nelson (9-0) on BAMMA 4 back in September 2010. However, the month prior to this fight, Eugene was at Cage Contender in Manchester scouting out the competition. Knowing that Danny Mitchell was one of the most competitive grapplers that he had faced, Fadiora was set back when Nelson locked on the rear naked choke in under 3 minutes. Mentally this showed Eugene what he was to face and the level that he needed to raise his own ground work at that stage. Although lasting a minute longer against the Icelandic fighter, Gunnar was still too imposing with his own game to even allow Eugene the chance to stand and use his strengths within the octagon. However, Faidora quotes his battle against Rob Devanne as his toughest bout to date due to having just over a year out of action.

There was a lot of cage rust, which showed. It took me a long time to switch on in that fight and before that fight I was a wreck with stress and worry. Once I switched on though in that last 30 seconds you can see the change in me.

Following the Gunnar bout, Eugene disappeared off the scene for a while; only planning to rest until the New Year but training and work became difficult to coordinate and after BAMMA moved their planned July show, Faidora found it difficult to find the right fight with an adequate purse. Illness and things out of Eugene’s control meant a further 7 months out of the game after his Made4theCage title bout in February 2012 against Steve Watson. However Fadiora is more then ready and anticipating the long awaited defense against Andrew Punshon in September.

As Eugene’s game develops, he states that much has changed from his beginnings in 2008. Over the course of his 24 bouts at amateur and professional levels he has progressed a lot with the ground game, wrestling well and submitting as many opponents as he’s finished with striking. Often misjudged as a weak grappler, Fadiora is more than accomplished but just prefers to entertain the crowd and win standing and striking. Both, Pure MMA and Team Kaobon have helped take Eugene to another level but even with the such a successful record behind him there seems to be little buzz about the 24 year old.

To be honest I have fought some of the best and there still isn’t this big buzz. It might be the long breaks that I’ve had, it may be the fact that I don’t go to every show in the UK or go on the message boards all the time. I prefer to let my fighting do the talking but I guess that isn’t enough right now as MMA is becoming more and more popular with more and more people doing it you have to make more of an effort to stand out.

After making fairly light work of Steve Watson at Made4theCage5 and shaking off the ring rust prior to that bout against Rob Devanne, Fadiora is now mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. His next bout against Andrew Punshon at next Made4theCage 7 is set to be exciting title bout but neither of these facts effects Eugene.

I’ve often been a main event which I think shows that I’m recognised as a crowd pleaser and I welcome the challenge. I need to fight those perceived to be better than me so I can progress up the rankings and closer to my goal. The fact that it is a main event doesn't put any extra pressure on me. I like to feel and train like the under dog so I train harder and fight hungry so as not to get complacent and lazy.

Eugene Fadiora on:

His biggest success

I think the fight on BAMMA was great, as it had a massive crowd and was aired on TV, so there was a lot of pressure but I like the pressure and think winning on there twice is high up there. Also winning all my titles a few titles are worth more than some others but just that fact that I can call myself champion is a great achievement. Losing only once out of 24 fights is probably my best achievement though.

Fights that never happened

There has been lots of fights that should have happened but didn't for various reasons. Myself against Che Mills for the BAMMA welterweight title but then BAMMA had some issues and the whole final never happened. Me against both of the Maguire brothers at different times. I was supposed to fight on OMMAC a few times and once had 7 different opponents before saying finally they didn't have a fight for me. I think that was a difficult time for promoters and myself because my record was dangerous. I was a good fight to have but I was risky for people’s records because there was a chance they could lose (there was a lot of record protecting going on then) 

A return to BAMMA

If they offer me a top 10 fighter and the money to fight them then I will more than likely be there. I was offered Marshman but I wasn’t ready at this weight; it was going to be my first one back at middleweight and wanted to make sure that I was settled in it before fighting the big dogs again. Now I’m hunting down anyone higher than me.

The dream within MMA

To make it my job and pay the bills out of it; maybe get enough to open my own gym and retire but eventually still involved in the sport. I’ve just got to fight the best fights that I can in the near future and set the ball rolling in September 2012.

Tips for newcomers in MMA

Train as hard as you can, as often as you can. You won’t be the best by training every now and again; give it everything. However, always have a back up plan. I have a law degree and I’m going through personal training qualifications so I can rely on my mind as well as fighting. 

Eugene would like to take the time to thank the following:

I'd like to thank all the guys that I train with at Team Kaobon and Pure MMA for helping me to be the best fighter that I can be. My family for putting up with me when I’m moody, tired or never in; especially the Mrs. who has to put up with a lot of my crap.

My Sponsor Telford MMA Store for helping to support me through my training for this fight. They sell only the best gear at a great price so get down there.

10 quick questions

What’s your walk out song: Ghetts - Legend In The Making
Favourite Domestic fighter: Terry Etim he’s amazing to train with and to watch fight
Favourite International fighter: Can’t name 1, I Like Anderson Silva and Dos Santos to name a few
If you could change 1 rule in MMA what would it be: I like it the way it is but I wish all the rules were unified.
Biggest inspiration: lol not a fighter but Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is an amazing role model
Favourite food: Carrot Cake - new found love
Favourite film: Never Back Down. I know its not technically great and considering the title the coach tells them to tap a lot but its a good film to just stick on and not have to think too much about
Dream opponent: No idea
Best fight you've seen: Best 30 secs was Paul Taylor V Paul Kelly, don't know about full fights.
Any superstitions: I used to use the same boxers to fight in before fight (I washed them after every one) but now I’m not too bothered, you can get too hung up on them going right or wrong and it have a negative impact on your mental state

Saul Rogers

Everything had started for Saul back in the home as a child, while he and his brother took turns to throw each other into the sofas and watched WWF on television. Moving away from dressing up as his favourite characters, Rogers has begun carving out an impressive career and record for himself, despite only being involved within MMA for little over 3 years.

Prior to joining the successful Team Colosseum, Saul had spent time training within the disciplines of boxing and Thai boxing before being invited down to a local MMA club. It was here that he found the desire to become further involved within the sport and after 4 weeks he had made the move over to the Colosseum gym.

I’m both a competitor and a fan of the sport but to be honest I get a lot more excited by watching my good friends and team mates competing than any of the big shows on the TV. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching UFC but when your cage side watching or cornering your good friend or team mate it’s a whole other feeling.

Under the tuition and guidance of coaches, Danny Rushton and Aaron Chatfield, Saul first competed at the Ground Control competition after only a few months of training. It allowed him to gain some competitive mat time and to test his skills, moreover, giving Saul the feeling and experience of competing in front of a crowd and his teammates. It was here where Rogers adopted the nickname, “The Hangman” due to blasting his way to the semi-finals with guillotine after guillotine. However, when Saul first arrived at the gym he was much more of a different type of gym addict than he is today, being around 196lbs with more of a body builder frame than a fighter’s. Stripping right down and competing professionally at a lean 145lbs has been a massive change and difference for Saul, mixing his training with a blend of wrestling from Scott Gregory, Thai from Aaron Chatfield and bringing it all together with Danny Rushton.

I loved the Colosseum so much because it’s a "top game" gym so all the guys love to wrestle and be on top, the guard game isn’t really my style, even though I’ve won most of my amateur fights from guard

Saul at Warrior Strength Training

Dedication is an injustice to how Saul prepares for a bout; who loves nothing more than being in a fight camp but with the obvious exception of the dieting, just like most MMA professionals. Eating healthily is standard for someone in his condition but it’s the temptation of the sweet stuff that is Saul’s downfall and the hardest thing for him to give up.

My S&C coach Phil Marsden does my diet plan and I follow that, having a good set of clean carbs and protein and lots and lots of vegetables that everybody loves so much haha. At the end of the day dieting is part of the job so you just got to deal with in and get on with it.

A camp spans across 8 weeks and Saul begins with getting his weight right, spending the first two weeks increasing his cardio and adjusting his nutrition. The next 6 will see Rogers living in the gym, 2-3 times a day, 6 times a week burning through the intense preparations and getting into the right mindset for the bout. He attempts to gather as much footage on his opponents as possible, allowing him to study and adapt his training, although being prepared for everything. Saul understands that a bout can change in a second and therefore puts more faith in his own ability and skill than within a game plan.

I’m not one of these guys who needs a 3-month fight camp because I walk around reasonably fit and in good condition. I do a good mixture of classes in my fight camp and set a couple of days a week for my main sparring days, as well as my S&C and road work.

Apart from dedicating his time to his own training, Saul has also begun to teach the beginners sessions down at the Colosseum, including his full support for newcomers and teammates who are preparing for their own fights. Potentially being a role model is something that gives great satisfaction to Saul, especially now, when he reflects on his own journey and beginnings into the sport.

My first fight was terrifying; I fought Anthony Jefferies at welterweight. I hadn’t been training that long so it was all still new to me, I felt like throwing up before the fight and then I ended up throwing up after the fight; I was that gassed out haha

Dropping to lightweight allowed Rogers to feel far more comfortable for his amateur bouts, where he began to rattle through the opponents and winning his first title. Through time and experience, Saul has gained a different knowledge of the sport, developing a different approach to the way he now fights. In early 2012, Saul travelled to the Tri-Star gym in Canada, training with a high level of competition, learning new techniques, picking up tips and consistently developing with every passing day.

I have a better diet, better cardio and better skills with each fight and that never ends; I always want to be fitter, faster and stronger each fight

Even at the young age of 22, Saul feels the pressure, having amounted himself an undefeated amateur record (9-0-1) and now continuing that into his professional career (4-0). Recently become a father, caring for his daughter and partner, repeatedly moving house and recovering from elbow surgery has only added to his journey and path but Saul still remains more determined than ever and sees everything as a challenge and a goal.

I don’t want to lose and I dream of hopefully getting on that big show one day, so I treat each opponent as the person who is trying to stop me getting were I want to get and achieving my goals/dream

Moving to featherweight for his professional bouts, Saul now feels that he has conquered his weight management, although admits it took some time and practice to be able to say this. Keeping to a clean diet, swapping his carbohydrates for vegetables and protein allows Saul to maintain a good muscle mass that is evident come fight time. However, having a good strength and conditioning coach at WST enables Rogers to maintain a high level of fitness regardless of being in a fight camp.

Back in the day I was doing a lot of gym work and my S&C coach use to go mad but I thought I knew best haha. Then I cut all that out and do all my gym work and stuff with him and I feel miles better, having a lot more muscle endurance and I don’t feel like I’m too muscular. I still do a few cheeky press ups on the quite that he doesn’t know about to keep the chest pumped haha, its all about big biceps and chest (that’s the hench motto) haha.

In the octagon, Artem Lobov at Budo Warriors III has been Saul’s toughest opponent to date and despite everything that Saul had learned to that point, he still felt that his performance was hindered by inexperience. Saul reflects on relying too much on his wrestling and not prioritising his striking enough during the bout, including gassing out his arms through submissions, all of which led to a very close split decision but in his favour. This spearheaded the decision to train in Canada working on many things but especially the patience when working within the octagon and ensuring that he would not rush to finish a bout prematurely.

In Roger’s next outing, he faced Martin Sheridan for the Fight UK Featherweight Title; hungry for the win, Saul dominated the bout, outworking and smothering his opponent, submitting Sheridan after 3:48 of the first round.

Just felt good to win a pro title because it shows that hard work pays off and there’s no better feeling than having a belt strapped round your waste after winning a fight. VERY PROUD MOMENT

I feel like things are going well at the minute (touch wood), the key to my success I’d say is having a good set of coaches who have trained me since day one and a good set of team mates who work with me day in day out. Also I put a lot of it down to Aaron Chatfield who has always promoted me and got me some good fights and most of all just putting in the hours in the gym.

Saul on his game

I don’t know what it will take to defeat me but if that day comes the person who did it wouldn’t have done it easily. They’ll definitely know they'd been in a fight and they wouldn’t be in a hurry to fight me again. I leave my heart in the cage every time that I fight.

I’ve watched the Sheridan fight back a good few times and I’m quite happy with the performance. I don’t think any fighter looks at a past fight and is a 100% satisfied; we always look back and think "I wish I would of done that" but it feels great to hold a pro title. It was cool getting a few amateur belts but I just feel it means a lot more when you achieve it at pro, feels like a lot of hard work has paid off.

Wrestling has always been a big part of my game, that’s the reason why I love the Colosseum Gym so much, because there all good wrestlers and aggressive top game fighters. I have to give credit to Danny Rushton for the majority of my wrestling, I’ve took most of his wrestling and top game techniques and made them my own. Also Scott Gregory who is our wrestling coach for the work he's done with me.

I feel a lot of pressure every fight I have regardless of the belt. When you put in so much time and effort you don’t want to go home with a loss. I feel the belt will just push me even harder because it’s like someone’s coming, trying to take something off you. That’s my belt so I’m going to hurt you for even thinking you could take it hahaha.

Saul on his opponents

I know I’m going to face tougher guys but I think I have a strong ground game, so my submissions are always going to be a part of my game. I’m a finisher, so if I see something I will take it. I’ve finished a lot of fights by submission and think that will carry on (Artem was lucky to escape the Hangmans Gallows)

I don’t have a clue how guys prepare for me, back in the day I’d say they thought they would just take it to me on the feet but that’s not the case now. I’ve worked hard on my stand-up and ground and pound so I don’t feel there’s a place I don’t feel comfortable or feel really week.

Saul on his future

I wouldn’t mind fighting on BAMMA. I think it has quite a lot of exposure also Cage Warriors is a good promotion; they’re doing shows all over the world so I wouldn’t mind globetrotting.

I don’t mind who I fight. I normally don’t even get involved. I just get a message saying "your fighting such a body on this date" so I just get on with it. A few people have said that Shay Walsh and me would be a good fight so ever since then I’ve thought that would be a good fight. Shay’s doing well and only has little losses; one to Andy Ogle, so if someone offered me that fight I’d take it.

I feel more than ready to fight a US based MMA athlete with a wrestling background. If the fight came up and was worthwhile I have confidence in my game.

I’m only 22 so I feel there’s loads of time to make it over in the US, every fighters dream is to one day fight on the UFC so I just keep that in mind and hopefully one day get there.

Saul would like to take the time to thank the following:

I’d just like to give a big thanks to my coach Danny Rushton for all the work he's done with me from day one, all the advice and training week in week out, also a big thanks to my coach Aaron Chatfield for all the work he's done with me and for getting me some good fights and promoting me well (he's like my second dad) hahahahaha. Also like to thank my management Jason House at Iridum Sports Agency for getting me my fights, also a big thanks to Phil Marsden down at Warrior Strength Training for keeping me well conditioned and in great shape for each fight. Thanks to get-supplements for hooking me up with my supplements and a massive shout to all the Team Colosseum guys who train with me day in day out.

If there’s any guys out there looking for someone to sponsor then hit me up; you wont find a guy with more drive or determination than me, you wont regret it :D

Quick questions:

What’s your walk out song: Has to be "James Brown - The Boss" every time.
Favourite Domestic fighter: Mike Wooten, I think the guy has some really good skills and think he's going to do well.
Favourite International fighter: John Bones Jones, the guy is an animal, he mixes it up so well; really exciting guy to watch.
If you could change 1 rule in MMA what would it be: I’d probably change the 3 points of contact for a downed opponent rule. Its frustrating when a guy stops a knee/kick to the head by putting their hand on the floor.
Biggest inspiration: I get all my inspiration from guys who are passionate to do what they do and not just in MMA. Anybody who puts the work the time in and doesn’t stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
Favourite food: Chocolate (any chocolate) KitKats and Nuttella and Wispa Golds are the top 3 though haha
Favourite film: has to be Step Brothers, that’s some funny shit. I heard they’re making a Step Brothers 2 so the better hurry that shit up haha.
Dream opponent: Anybody as long it was in the UFC :D
Any superstitions: I don’t really have many superstitions, as long as I’ve got our main man and the saviour Jesus Christ in my heart I know I’ll be safe hahaha.

Paul McVeigh

It seems like a long time since Paul “Metabolic” McVeigh entered the UKMMA scene, amassing an impressive 18-7 record and a loyal following since late 2002. It was an unhealthy mix of Van Damme and Manga movies that ensured a far less traditional career for the Scottish based bantamweight and eventually ushered him into the sport. McVeigh started traditional Jujitsu as a youngster and despite some deviation from the conventional syllabus; it instilled a work ethic and toughness that is clearly present today.

My coach was also a bit of a maniac thug so we did a lot of work on violence. It might not have been intelligent, correct or safe, but it instilled in me a work ethic and toughness that's helped me out along the way

(C) Cage Warriors Fighting Championship

In November of 2002 Paul defeated David Griffiths with the first of his 12 submission wins and began his career despite having little idea of what to do. Back then it was more trial and error than the systematic and professional methods he uses to approach fights today.

Considering all I had was a jab and a flying arm bar by that time; I feel like I have improved exponentially. I can spar with our best guys in every range and not look like a dickhead doing so

It took his next three bouts to figure out the game further and before he could string together some wins but every loss brought big improvements to McVeigh’s tactical or technical game. With little MMA around at the age of 18, Paul had several amateur bouts before turning professional and despite not being the best way into the sport; it was at the time the only option available. However, it was actually life outside the sport that McVeigh attributes to being his biggest obstacle to overcome.

Probably being an un-athletic, pasty Irish kid with a massive comic collection. Seriously the whole being quite good at wrecking boys is the only thing stopping me from being a complete nerd and getting wedgies every time I walk to the shops

As a talented and intelligent MMA athlete, McVeigh like some fighters observes the sport as a true professional; taking in MMA event with friends for personal enjoyment but then re-watching them to pick up on the details.  Understanding that the sport is constantly developing, Paul looks at the worlds best to learn, refine and train. Prior to his first competitive bout and urged on by those around him, McVeigh decided that he’d move his training into competition and be part of something exclusive, where few people would ever take part but one day many would watch.

It didn't seem like a big deal at the time just go in and do what you do everyday but with your top off and with more people watching. The whole sport is a game, if you get beaten there is a reason for it, make this weakness a strength, keep improving and your on a path to being a better person

Courtesy of DNFT @ Griphouse

Being part of the Dinky Ninjas Fight Team provides McVeigh with an open environment and a culture of dedicated people who develop as a collective; learning from their mistakes and trying to improve. The twenty-plus coaches at the Griphouse allows for a multitude of perspectives, ideas and styles to be taught and incorporated into individual athletes games, although it is the unique banter and camaraderie that helps differ the Dinky Ninjas from others.

I had way more guys from the gym at my wedding than family members and I like my family

Due to owner Guy Ramsey and together with Garry Christie, Paul runs the Jujitsu program at the Griphouse, which allows McVeigh to follow his passion and dedicate his time into MMA both as a sport and business. When not competing within the octagon, Paul runs the majority of the professional Dinky Ninjas team, helping to manage; weight cuts, nutrition, strength and conditioning, sparring and areas of improvement; including being a key corner man for many of those athletes.

The best fight I've seen recently was at OnTop 5. My teammate Alan Johnston had a maniac German guy throw a maddy at him for a round tying him up in guillotines and brabo chokes.

In the second round AJ found his range and landed a lot standing, his opponent then thought it was a good idea to mean mug with his back on the cage and invite punches. AJ obliged with a Baroni Menne style knock out. The entire building went into riled up chimpanzee mode minus the flinging poo bit.

AJ is going to be a superstar he just needs to jack in that stupid career as a financial advisor and start raking in the real dough as a UKMMA star (it should go with out saying that no one should ever follow my career advice)

As a coach McVeigh looks after his fighters within the gym and by the side of the octagon but definitely not within the match ups. Paul is proud that himself and the Dinky Ninjas are not fighters that pad their records and comforted that top Scottish promotions like OnTop and Vision FC work hard on their matchmaking, never giving the guys a break in terms of opponents. Through winning the majority of these tough matchups helps to underpin McVeigh’s philosophy that MMA athletes should learn their craft before jumping into the limelight.

Getting on a UFC undercard is great but you want to be the guy who has a career there. The best way to do that is get really good at fighting guys in cages. Smashing 10-20 athletes doesn't teach you to deal with adversity or develop the type of skills needed to be competitive with the best guys in the world.

With such a range of talent based at the Griphouse, McVeigh is never short of top training partners between those smaller flyweight to lightweight divisions and finds it difficult to pick out individuals who impress him and are set to make an impact on UKMMA.

Jo Calderwood has become somewhat of a media darling of late but she's also a frigging beast. She does whatever her coaches tell her to do and watching her fight is kinda like watching James Doolan playing a video game; she has that much faith in her coaches.

Robert Whiteford is the Juggernaut and has vast potential. Sean Wright too; to be honest the gym is full of potential world beaters. Stevie Ray is a guy to watch out for he is an outstanding athlete, has tremendous self-belief and loves rising to the occasion.

It was fellow teammate James Doolan that gave Paul his “Metabolic” title but McVeigh is known more for his range of hair colorings and styles, despite the questions that he has had concerning his sexuality after his pink hair against Musse Hasselvall. 

Attention seeking and being too much of a pussy to get tattoos like a real cage fighter. It also makes me look different too myself so I can pretend I'm much more of a badass than I actually am. It tells me it's fight time

European and UK MMA rankings rightly have McVeigh in the mix towards the top, although the ability to do what he does everyday with the people he mixes with is all the success he could ever want. However, with so many highlights of McVeigh’s ongoing career it was his involvement within TUF and the bout to gain access to the house that he personally underlines as his biggest success.

Putting on one of the greatest fights in TUF (Dana said so, so there!) history was kinda cool. They screwed me on that one by not showing the whole thing it was frigging mental. 

McVeigh understands through facing tougher opponents that he will have to leave the host of submission victories from earlier in his career and learn to respect the scoring system, which is something he reiterates to fighters everyday.

At the higher levels the scoring system has to be understood and respected. If a round is tight the little things like cage control matter a lot.

The state of someone's face does not determine the victor. There are a series of criteria that must be adhered to be effective at a high level. A simple way to think about it is if a round is tight and takedowns are even, if your backs on the wall or on the cage you are losing. 

(C) Cage Warriors Fighting Championships

Even after 12 years, Paul is still maturing and is yet to hit his peak; still learning and looking to overcome the mental aspect of MMA that is far too often overlooked by amateurs and professionals alike.

You get guys who are gash in the gym but turn it on at fight time, I'm the other way I'm good in the gym but fight like a retard. I'm probably our most frustrating fighter to corner. I'll do stuff I haven't even trained, completely change my style or just thrown a maddy. I never do what I'm told and once did the exact opposite of what my corner man told me to do because I was in a huff. I'm a retard and if I can sort it out I could be quite good.

Looking towards the future McVeigh is in the process of reinventing himself as a flyweight, eating healthier and reflecting on past easy cuts to bantamweight; he knows the other 10lbs is possible. Having previously done well against the European flyweight division when they fought at bantamweight, McVeigh can see no reason why he cannot go through them again in the lower weight division and catch the eye of anyone watching. He will truly fight whoever is put in front of him and hopefully after recovering from an injury and moving down a division he can begin to dominate all over again.

Making my elbow work, it's fucked, see when you have one of those niggles that you ignore for 2 years? Well don't. You are left with an emaciated piece of crap that you can't even rag guillotines on with. When I've fixed that mess I'll be back probably at flyweight to kick people's heads in and take their partners out for a nice seafood dinner.

When I fight again it will be on CWFC, I really want to fight in a foreign country and be mobbed by a group of dudes with such fantastic beards.

Paul McVeigh on...

Feelings about his first loss against Ashleigh Grimshaw

Ash battered me because he was better than me. It pushed me to learn what I was doing. Losing sucks but so long as you can keep it in perspective and use it as a positive experience your still winning ...kinda

Biggest loss to date

Probably Louis Gaudinot. He managed to make my nose bone come out my face. I feel he won as he was the better fighter on the night but I made some tactical errors. It was a TUF fight and was over two rounds with a bonus round in the event of a draw.

I felt I had won the first, so pushed really hard to win the second so I could get away from this psychotic green haired midget. When they announced it was going to a third I was pretty fucked and he pretty much violated me for the entire round.

Being a bit smarter might have made a difference but Louis deserved the win and I'm glad he is doing well with his career.

Cage Warriors Fighting Championship cards

Seeing guys I have come up with go on to successful UFC careers has filled me with confidence that I'm around that level. At the time the UFC didn't even have my weight class so the options were limited. 

Being on the Enter the Rough House cards by Cage Warriors Fighting Championships

They were mental. I used to go and hang out with Jimmy Wallheads million fans and chat them up so I'd have a bit of support when I went out. I think of the old CW with nostalgia but with the realisation that it was a bit crappy compared to the new version of the company

The new Cage Warriors is a powerhouse. I'd say it is on par with the UFC in terms of organisation and professionalism. Graham and the guys have created something very special and we are always proud to be on when we get the chance. To do what the have with the schedule they have got is very impressive.

Headlining as a main event

It's shit you don't get to see the good fights and everyone fucks off before you even get announced as the winner. The waiting part is the worst part of fighting and being the main event makes that last longer. Get on early watch the rest of the fights and act like a superstar in the crowd, it's important to keep your hand wraps on for this part so everyone knows who you are.

The GCM card in Japan

I love Japan I've been there a bunch of times so to go back on someone else's budget and have a fight with a dude was a brilliant experience. Travelling is a fun part of the job and getting to see new places is great. There is only so many times you can drive to the north of England before it becomes a chore.

Ian Dean and his matchmaking

Ian's a stone cold pimp. He has always given me the sort of matches I've wanted i.e. tough ones. He has been a great mate over the years and I'm glad he's found his place doing something he is undoubtedly the best at in the UK. Did you see the last Cage Warriors? That was a masterpiece in match making.

BAMMA 8 bout against Erik Perez

I fought like a dickhead. I think getting tired in the TUF fight threw me and that became a sticking point. I kept thinking don't get tired and he can't beat me. That became don't do anything during 15mins of fighting. I was hemorrhaging mistakes in that one. It was still competitive but I didn't feel in danger at any time and was just too lazy to deserve the win.

Erik fought well and is on too the UFC so good luck to him.

Things learnt from TUF involvement

Many things, namely being that if I can fight smarter I am definitely at that level. I also learnt how sadistic the TUF process is they locked us in our Hotel rooms cutting weight with nothing but man vs. food on the TV. I almost kicked the producers right in the balls for that.

UFC’s Brad Pickett and Vaughan Lee

I've trained with both guys a little bit and they are both exceptional fighters and great guys. Watching Vaughan bash up Kid was incredible and try to find a boring fight with Brad in it I dare you it's not possible. So long as they aren't attacking one of my mates I'll always support them.

MMA rankings

Any of the guys in the top ten can hammer any of the others on any given night. They are useful in motivating some of the fighters but beyond that I don't really pay attention to them.

Holding both the CWFC and CC bantamweight belts

Belts are great advertising for my gym, we have a belt cabinet at the Griphouse that is overflowing with the bad boys and it looks very cool. Beyond that it's shit it means you have to do 5 rounds, which suck monkeys. I have no attention span and 25mins of anything will have me losing concentration.

Training and development

I'm a BJJ brown belt for about 6 years and am really working on improving in this area. I'm focusing on this and wrestling at the moment. Doing everything at once is tough and too much of a brain musher. I prefer selecting a few aspects and really focusing on it till it’s a real strength you can rely on.

I've also been working diligently on my street dancing skills, but then I always am.

I train with a lot of really good Thai guys so after they have hit you with something for the millionth time you tend to give it a shot. The Thai clinch stuff is really under utilised in MMA. It's a strength of our gym so we use it a lot. I've probably dropped more guys with elbows in fights than punches.

I met up with Urijah Faber in Sweden and he invited us over to train. I think sparring in an environment where everyone is a great wrestler can only benefit UK guys. Most gyms in the UK have a couple of guys who are good wrestlers but not to the same degree as the US teams.

We should be heading out that way (US) in July or August. I'm also looking to work in with the Scottish wrestling team in the next few weeks. It's definitely somewhere I'm lacking but I'm working on it.

Computer Games

I have a PS3 and a penchant for murder. The best game I've played recently was Uncharted 3 that was a cinematic beast. I also like a bit of COD particularly when Robert Whiteford is on, I can't believe he has never been banned.

Advice for newcomers to MMA

Get involved in a good gym that produces well-rounded athletes. Make sure you enjoy being there and if you like competing do it as much as possible. It doesn't have to be MMA, hit up every grappling comp, Thai interclub, exhibition bout, barn dance you can get too.

Paul McVeigh would personally like to thank the following:

All the guys I train with you guys are the best. Seriously man hugs all round. 

My wife should probably also get a shout as she never does and has been awesome throughout my career. Never has one women sewn so many of her friends faces back together.

Quick questions:

What’s your walk out song: Still Here- B Dolan
Favourite Domestic fighter: Probably Brad Pickett
Favourite International fighter: Rory Macdonald, Jose Aldo, Hatsu Hioki
If you could change 1 rule in MMA what would it be: Ban steroids........... Or allow genital tampering
Biggest inspiration: I get inspired by everything, the last video I seen, the last book I read I get inspired everyday.
Favourite food: Egg Burrito- I've pretty much got this down to an art.
Favourite film: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Megacroc vs Sharktapus
Dream opponent: A very small Manticore
Any superstitions: Nah I’ve got a mad science background and my nonsense detector is off the hook