MMA Fighting - Eurobash: Episode 68 (w/ Leon Edwards, Morgan Charriere, Jai Herbert, Brandon Gibson)

Episode Date: February 4, 2020

On this week's Eurobash, Leon Edwards (12:00) reveals why he thinks Tyron Woodley is taking their UFC London main event personally. French frontrunner Morgan Charriere (32:00) sheds light on the rapid growth of his fan base ahead of his Cage Warriors interim title fight. Also featured, Jai Herbert (58:00) reveals how he found out he had been offered a UFC contract and looks forward to his bout with Marc Diakiese. Jon Jones' striking coach Brandon Gibson (1:24:00) joins the show to preview UFC 247. Petesy Carroll and Niall McGrath discuss all the latest thrills and spills in European MMA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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and use promo code sports for 20% off. The Kansas City Chiefs are the world champions of a sport only contested in America. Strange. Very, very good. I'm going to tweet that earlier on today. Does that make Dublin world champions? No, it doesn't. It should.

Yeah, so this is an MMA podcast. We had no real huge events over the weekend, so we decided to absolutely fill the trough with many, many interviews this week. We have Leon Edwards. We have Morgan Sharié. We have Joy Herbert and Brandon Gibson, who will talk about John Jones ahead of his fight next weekend. Yeah, we decided to get a lot of people on. Obviously, Leon and the Tyrant fight has been confirmed. Taurin seems very upset by Leon.

We've asked him about the exodus of their beef. I mean, the Genesis is even not there. Morgan Sharier. I've been so fascinated by this guy. Like, where the hell has this fan base come from? And what an exceptional performance he put on against Dean Truman. he was announced that he would be fighting for the interim fed away title last week. So we thought it would be a good time to get him on and really learned a lot about Morgan.

We have Joy Herbert, the newest Cage Warriors champion signed to the UFC. And of course, Gibson, as I mentioned earlier. But, Noel, how are you, darling? I'm good, man. Yeah, not too bad. Can't complain. Yeah, it was quite weekends of MMA, really, wasn't it? It wasn't in terms of the UFC, Bellator, or nothing on.

So, yeah, I'm good. Do you think that's a good move? Like you know a bit more about US broadcasts and stuff like that. I mean, do you think it's a good idea to not have one on the week of a Super Bowl because it takes? No, I think traditionally the UFC used to do one on the Super Bowl weekend and it was great. It was a good thing I think for people obviously to kick on from Saturday to Sunday, have a pay-per-view, you know, sit around the TV, barbecue, all that crop.

So the UFC used to do good numbers out of it. So, I don't know. I'd like to see a lot less cards, but I don't think we've been breaking out until what, mid-March or... April. April or something mental. First weekend April, I believe. Yeah, it's going to be a long schlog now from the next few weeks. But yeah, listen, interesting to see that they've not gotten in the head over the last few years.

But yeah, fuck it. Really? Right, let's just take a quick look through these headlines. Paul Daly v. Sabah Hamasi will go down at Bellator 2-4-1 on March Tour daint. Peter Cuelly has been forced out of Bellator Dublin. Chris Bungard now faces Brent Primis. Jack Marshman v. Holland will go down at UFC

London. Otman Azayatar puts his undefeated record on the line at UFC 249 against Camerworthy. Rustam Karamov looks to be on the verge of signing a major contract. He's just vacated his ACA Bantamweight title. That's one to keep an eye on. Jake Hadley has signed for Cage Warriors,

White Kong. He faces Saj Hack in Birmingham on April 18th. That's a great signing. Really, really has separated himself from the field with that win over Blaine O'Driscoll recently, so looking forward

to see him in the Cage Warriors Cage. Also, also on that Birmingham card, you got Jack Grant versus Medi Ben Lactar.

That is an unbelievable fight. As I mentioned earlier, Morgan Charié will fight for the interim featherweight title in London. Mads Bernel is injured.

An opponent still to be determined there. Cage Warriors also have told me that they're planning a French show in 2020. The race very much on to be the first major

promotion get an event going there. I thought it would be Aries, but Aries have announced that their second event will go down in Brussels on April 4th. Some big names there, signed. It looks like they have a lot of money behind them, as we've mentioned. They're backed by Canal Plus. Is that the name of them? Canal Plus. So, interesting to keep an eye on that. Well, that's the headlines, Noel. And we've one more headline. Oh. Oh. France beat England in the World Cup, speaking of the French. Another World Cup of Six Nations. Oh, yeah. Alex Corbusierro. Okay.

Zibb it. Fair enough. Six nations. That's rugby he's talking about there in case our American fans are going, what the fuck is this mad Irish man talking about? But did you see the beef that went down last week, Noel McGrath, between our Europe's own, Yohanna and Jacek, and Strawweight Champion, Wiley Zank?

Yeah. For people, obviously, who aren't aware of it, Yohanna posted something. Well, she reposted it. Like, it's not like she's. built the thing. Yeah, in relation to the coronavirus. It was her wearing a mask

you know, standing beside Wiley as in like a general foyer poster. I just don't think, yeah, listen it's just something you can't really make reference to or even sort of bring up in that light yeah, because there is people dying, there's people

losing their lives and it's obviously spreading to the UK as well as two confirmed cases this week. So you know, a very, very sad thing to be going around and thrown out. And I just think it was a little bit sloppy from Joanna. I'm sure she didn't mean any malice towards her knowing, Joanna. I'll just show you what went down, right? So obviously there was the initial post from Joanna.

Then Wai Lee put out a post on Instagram. And it said, to make fun of a tragedy is a true sign of one's character. People are dying. Someone's father, someone's mother, someone's child. Say what you want about me if it makes you feel stronger. But do not joke about what's happening here. I wish you good health until March 7. I will see you soon.

Now, shortly afterwards, Joanna, who was doing the media, the Super Bowl media days, the press, she took to Instagram, and again on our Instagram story, apologized, I guess, to Wiley. Hey, Champ, hey Wiley, so sorry to make you feel bad,

but I would never make fun of sick people of illness or virus. I didn't want you to get offended, but I just made fun of the funny internet meme. So, so sorry, but still, I will see you on March 7th. Not the cleanest apology in the world. Yeah, it's not the cleanest.

That's Joanna, man. Like, who knows? Maybe she does for, she does weird things sometimes to get her any people's skin. I don't think, yeah, I don't, I agree with you in the way, like, she didn't deliberately try to offend the Chinese people, but she inadvertently did, you know? Exactly. Is there a little bit of tactics in there?

Mind warfare, we know what, Joanna's like. She does anything to try and unsettle you upstairs. Oh, well, I mean, this is the question that she's going to be asked all through that press week. And look, the UFC are rubbing their hands together. Like, you know, when they see this, like, Wiley's obviously commented on it. Yohanna's commented on it. I mean, a lot of people talking about it. We're not far removed from watching endless clips of Connor McGregor throwing gullies and buses

and screaming about Dagestani people. Like, we literally saw the biggest UFC event of all time with that. Like, I think they're happy that there is some friction here now anyway. Like, obviously not happy that. that Yowanna, one of their biggest for it, is one of their best-known female for it is, is talking in that manner. But it's creating interest.

Yeah, of course it is, and they don't give a shit. The UFC situations like that occur. But it is interesting, and, you know, Wiley as well, you know, biting back like that. And you'd always expect a response from her when it's something so serious like that. But another sort of interesting subplot is, I think her management team, Wiley's used to represent Yiana as well.

So there's a little bit of... Oh, really? Yeah, so there's a little bit of sort of owner tones there. But the truth of it is like Gileme is covering this story Zang had to move our whole camp like she said like this this coronavirus is fucking incredible serious

you know like this the Chinese soccer Super League is being cancelled indefinitely suspended indefinitely you know this air flights and I think into Italy as well this week have been totally suspended from China and internally over there and domestic flights

in China so it is it's it's on that level it's on a world scale and it's, you know, very, very serious and very unsettling for Wiley as well, as you said there, man, it must be an awful pain in the ass, you know, shifting her whole camp. I don't know what she's in, and she got a Milwaukee or something like that up, she was working a little bit with Duke and those guys in the US last time she was here, so it is unsettling. And definitely, you know, to be honest with you, thinking at the moment, you'd have to sort of go, is this an advantage for Joanna under such circumstances, and it probably is. Yeah, but, like, I mean, just to tell you what Guillermo wrote about this,

A quick update on Zhang Wai Li. The UFC champion our coach has left China to Bangkok on Saturday. They could stay there for four days before finally going to Las Vegas. So, yeah, like, I mean, it's definitely not ideal. No. I do feel as though when you bring someone's country into it, it bolsters them because they have a whole nation behind them now.

Like this is, like the Chinese people who obviously got turned on to Zhang when she won the title in China. They're going to be ravenous about her. won in this fight now. And it's going to, that will bolster her, I believe. And we'll hear Morgan Sharier talking a bit about this later on when he's talking about. Siege mentality. Yeah, when Dean Truman took

the piss out of French people, they were like, he was like, I cannot lose this fight. You know what I mean? But look, we'll get on with our first interview of the day. We're going to kind of scatter the talking points around a bit today because obviously so many guests. There wasn't a lot of action last weekend and there's so many guests.

But up first, the headline of this Eurobash, Mr. Leon Edwards, who graciously got on the phone with us the day after doing a media day that I was unaware of. But luckily enough, the UFC started that out for me. Thank you very much to Vicky. But great to speak to Leon here. You see, I watched Ariel's interview with Tyrone Woodley, and I'm seeing Tyrant say, like, this is more personal than ever and stuff like this.

And the only thing I've really seen Leon say was Sacking his rap music. And it turns out that's what has upset Tyron here as we hear from Leon. He's a very sensitive. Tyrone Woody, isn't he? For a fighter, he is very sensitive. I mean, I think it's a good dynamic that I do have, though. For whatever reason, this is just... I reckon it's going to be great, man, on a fight week. I was like, I was glued to Ariel's interview with Tyrant. And then when he was talking about this year or day, I was like, holy shit, I could talk about this for an hour, you know? But, look, we'll get over to Leon and we'll back about 15 minutes.

Finally, it has happened. The fight we all wanted. And the man in the main event that we've all been talking about for a year, Leon Edwards finally gets the recognition he deserves, he is the main event against former world champion Tyron Woodley at UFC London and he's been very good to join us here today. Leon, how good does that feel? I feel like this is a huge moment in your career

to get that pride of place on top of this London card. For sure, it's a great moment of my career like you said to go get someone like Tara Woodley the former world champion some consider him one of the best of all times alongside JSB and

So I am very proud of myself to be able to head on my home country and I'm looking forward to much in trying to fuss. You know, we felt as though you had been overlooked a lot of times. Like a lot of times we felt like why aren't the UFC pushing this guy into a prominent place? And this definitely puts an end to that talk. But does it feel like a recognition for you? It's been such a long time coming for it to finally be down on paper. Does that mean something for you personally? Do you see this as a significant milestone in your career?

Um, yeah, for sure to be able to headline the O2. That's a big deal for me, you know what I mean? My first event was in Birmingham, so now I'm able to headline it in my home country. So this is a big deal for me. I'm taking this fight seriously. After being Woodley, that put me in line for a total shot next, you know what I mean? So I am focused and I am working my ass off to get that done. So I am looking forward to March, and I can't see how it beats me.

I'm looking forward to it. Yeah, it's like, right, so this fight, the first we heard of it was when you were talking to my pals at Severe MMA, Sean and Steve. And this was probably back in December, maybe start of December. And everything went mad from then on. I can remember my phone blowing up. People were like, is Leon fighting tired of anything? What's happening? What's happening?

And this has been going on for maybe a long, long time. You know, what took this so long? It took us more on. And it's all heard to go. was making excuses as to why he doesn't want to fight me and he doesn't want to come to the UK but he had no choice

they basically force him into the position now here we are they put it back against the wool now he has to fight a up on coming guy you know what I mean but you're trying to sit at a total shot but like I said

he had no choice and now here he is and now he can get killed to get killed to my country and then after that goes for World War titles so it's so good

workout perfectly it worked out perfectly I'm actually quite shocked, right? Because I listened to his interview with Ariel on ESPN on Monday. And he's taking this really personally as far as I'm concerned. I'm like, what did Leon do?

I mean, I feel like you've talked less to him. The only thing I saw you doing, right, is slagging his rap career. And do you think that's what hit the nerve? Yeah, for sure. It's like funny, right? You know, I post it like a meme on my Instagram and you got, like, he DM me and everything.

Did it block me? It blocked me and everything. It took it, like, very personal because I paused your shit music, you know what I mean? But for me, it's so banter. He's taking it serious, but he's not, I am focused and there's nothing much that you can do. You're like, I'm angry now and blah, blah, blah, blah.

But he's coming to the same thing, and the ponies you kick, takedowns, and so much you can do, you know what I mean? So, hey, I'm looking forward to the fight, and it's going to be a good one. Hang on, I have to go. back there. What did he DM you? Is this after you put out the things like in the rap music

he DM'd you? I got to know. I put it up and then I can't remember what it was because I deleted it and blocked me after. Something about you're a punk ass and knock your ass out and blah blah blah and I make more money. I just try and bag of nonsense really

and it deleted after it and like blocked me so I think it just got under his nerves it's like a weird thing but he's a crap property you know me. That everyone knows his shit I don't understand what the issue is. I was going to ask you had you changed your opinion on his music, but I'm guessing that's a no. Oh, God.

I might have book out to the music. That might be funny. I might even put it to walk out to. That would be a good little, a little dig at him before the fight, so we'll say. Yes, yeah. Like, I mean, I know this is, you know, there's been a good bit of banter back and forth there.

I don't know if he sees it as banter, but, I mean, is it fair to say that he's your toughest fight today? Like, I mean, do you believe this is the most accomplished fighter that's ever stood in front of you before? Um, on paper, right? On paper, it says he's meant to be the toughest fight, but we don't know until we get in there. I've done number four, and I thought,

oh, this guy will be a tough fight, they're going on, and it's easy. So, we'll see. We'll see. Like I said, on paper, he's accomplished a lot in the sport, but we'll see. I don't know, I don't know. I'll be ready for whatever it brings. I know everyone's, like, looking at his last fight against Usman,

and so it might be finished. It might be washed up, but I don't believe so. I am preparing for the best woodland. I'm preparing for that rubber low. When I'm not talking to rubble like that woodlid, you know what I mean? So I am preparing for the best and whatever it comes with, I've already. Yeah, I was going to say that to you.

Like, I mean, is it a good time to fight him or is it a bad time to fight him? Because I can remember when you were coming off a loss, you look better than ever. You know, back in the day, of course, a long time ago now. But, you know, you look like a man possessed when you were coming off a loss. And other people, sometimes it's just the decline of their career. Like, where do you feel? these outlay? You don't know, right?

Because you know on this right. So it must have been a bad night. You never know. It must have a bad night in office that night. So let's see if he's perform again like that, then it's deteriorating. But we'll see. We'll see. We don't know.

Like I said, preparing for the best wood he has ever been. And I'm mentally and physically, I'll be ready for whatever it brings to me. So I am ready to go. I'm ready to go. I'm going to take a lot for him to beat me in London. and I was constantly doing it. Oh, yeah, I've seen a lot of headlines pop up. I know you did a big media day yesterday,

and I know you've already reacted to the Masvedal v. Usman altercation at the Super Bowl Media Day. And I mean, you're not the only person who said this. Like, a lot of people feel like this was a very choreographed move from Masvedal and Usman. Yeah, it's weird. What do you think? I see it's a weird thing.

They showed me the video yesterday, and, like, it's like a WWW.E. Weird, so it's like a weird thing. He was like walking up to Osama with a big camera crew behind him and they're both like doing something, but no one's like moving forward. It's like a weird. Yeah.

It's like a weird thing, but like you said, each of the own and they're doing their thing and it's just cringe writer really, but that's the folks on my fight they got coming up and I'll hand it after. I mean, like it feels like, you know,

a very different situation than say, like the one you had with Masvedal in London where there's all this distance and there's so many different camera angles of the situation. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, do you feel as though, you know, Masvedal's maybe getting away from the guy he had portrayed himself as

because he was kind of saying, like, if we're on, if we're there and we're talking to each other, it's going to be on site? Like, you know, do you feel like this is kind of, it goes against what he said? Not as like going more like Kobe. Yeah, no, it's like a Kobe-competing kind of guy now, really. That's the way I see he's acting at the moment. He's coming to Conner's fighting the robe and it's all these,

This is what Colby Crumpkins used to do for his little name, make himself a name, you know what I mean? So maybe that's a fan, maybe that's the way the E.C. wants them to beat. Like, I've got to act like that. I'm going to act like clowns and to do that. You know what I mean? Maybe that's the way you have to do to sell fights, these things.

But that's never me. That's not the way I handle myself. But that's what you have to do. That's what you have to do, I guess. It's a weird thing, but fair play. Yeah, you're not the only person who says. this and maybe it's where I am right because I'm in Ireland and of course everyone in Ireland it feels like they're more intense about Connor's situation but I obviously was in

Las Vegas so I didn't watch the broadcast of that fight but when I came home everybody was like Jorge looked really desperate like they were like I don't want that fight because he looked like he was begging for it yeah that's weird yeah it's weird like what why yeah a man's fight with no top on in a row with the boxes on it's a weird thing that's not I don't understand He's like a, I want something to prove. It's like, the game is going weird, you know what I mean? I just do my thing. I don't like getting involved with it.

I leave him to it. I just keep doing my thing. Yeah, like, I mean, you must feel proud of that, the fact that you've kind of stayed true to yourself the whole way through this. Like, I mean, you're knocking on the door of a toilet shot now and you've never really compromised who you are. I never feel as though you've compromised who you are. Yeah, exactly.

Exactly. So I'm very proud of that to be able to, to be myself and to achieve what I'm achieving, you know what I mean? And to be able to be a world champion coming from where I come from and the way I did it, that's what I'm most proud of. You don't have to sell yourself for money and just to achieve what you want to achieve. You can still be yourself and achieve greatness. That's my thing and that's what I mean.

So fair play to you. If they want to do that at them and fair play to them. Yeah, like it's fair to say, though, like, you know, if everything goes according to plan against Toyer and that's the fight you're You want the winner of Mazvedal and Usman if that fight is made. Yeah, for sure, 100%. After I'll be in London, I'll be fighting for the World Tiles. So if the dude do, them two before me, then I fight at the end of the year, the winner at the end of the year.

So, all vice of the first. I fight Musman first. I fought Massev at the end of the year. So, either way, I'm going to fight for the World Tower this year. It's kind of working out really well, okay, because, for so long people were like oh well Leon's like the odd man out but you have genuine storylines

with both these guys obviously you and Masvidal had that altercation in London you've been back and forth and of course Usman is the last man to beat you I mean it's all coming up Leon right right yeah exactly even away after the fight I'm not like many options to the top there's two different stories they can sell paper views on so

I'm in a good position at the moment so I'm just focusing and getting past Woodley and beating him convincingly and then moving on with career. Like I said, after this fight, there's two options that can take, and there's a lot of money to be made, so it'll be good.

Yes, and how cool is it that Joy Herbert's going to join you on that card? I mean, he's been... He's such a great guy, right? Like, the scaffolder turned UFC fighter. What does this mean for Team Renegade and you? He's talked to me many times about you, how you've kind of nurtured his wrestling game, and how much of a positive influence you've been on.

What does it mean for you? for you to see Joy in there. Yeah, I mean, it needs a lot to see him and see how it works in the gym and how does he campaign

to be in the U.S. you know what I mean? It's coming off back-to-back-out wins and he's got a baby in the way now. So I am very happy for him and him and his family

and now for him to achieve his dream and he's got a good fire ahead of him with Marty Casey. I think that's a perfect matchup for him um, fall striking wise

to go to the two great strikers and it's an incredible atmosphere right now the gym. Tom Bree is fighting in February as well. I'm fighting. Joy is fighting. My brother is fighting in April. So, Renegade, now, is buzzing. I think it's one of the best champions in the UK at the moment. I am very proud of my team and what we're achieving. Maybe even Europe, right? Like, I mean, when you look at the accolades you guys put together over the last 12 months, it's pretty insane, isn't it?

Yeah, for sure. He's in Europe. Like, we've got, like, U.S.U.S. U.S. if you fighters, kids are just champion, better tour contenders. He's like, we're the gym for like all young guys as well, you know what I mean?

Nice. All under the age of prey that's doing this and we're achieving great at some of the small city in Birmingham and like before Birmingham wasn't known for MMA and now it's one of the main cases in the UK for MMA so I am very proud to be the front runner of that

and what we were achieving and what we're doing for the sport in Birmingham I am very proud of that. And I feel like with joy, Leon, Like, I mean, a guy who's establishing the U.S.C., like, Mark, coming into that fight, like, I mean, the pressure's all on Mark, right? Like, Joy just gets to go in there and enjoy himself, right? Exactly. Exactly. Exactly. Exactly.

Following in. Now, it's up to Joe, not because he's going to do his thing. Enjoy the moment. See him the moment and do his thing. I truly believe that he can beat Mark. I feel I believe he's a better box. He's more, he's more active on the feet. And I truly believe, Markham beat many times, you know what I mean?

He's been out of work. He's been out of box. because they've been pushed back. So Joy can't do it and it will do it. I'll be, I can't wait. I'll be grateful for him to go first. And I'll be at the back watching him, watch them get energy from him and then go and do my thing.

So I am very happy and proud of that. I know that Renegade usually bring about 85 team members to every fight. Do you think the UFC are going to let the Motley crew backstage there? How he's going to control the numbers there? I can remember a Cage Warriors, Night of Champions. I thought there was at least 3,000 members. of team renegade in the back of that room. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You roll deep. We're going to try. I know. We're going to try, I want to try to get as much as possible backstage. Because I know, Herbert will have his own, I bring his corner team.

I bring my corner team. So we're all like try to squeeze as much as possible backstage. We like, we like basketball with energy, you know what I mean? So let's see I'm in looking at it backstage. This time.

Try to pull a few strings. Not my main event. be able to pull a few strings. Get a few behind. Leon, the clout. He has all the clout now, yeah. Yeah, exactly. I got to end this on a cliche, Leon,

and thanks so much for your time, and I really appreciate you. And I'm sorry, I have to ask the question you've probably answered about a million times over the last 24 hours, but how do you see this fight going? When it plays out in your head, five rounds are one of the greatest

welter weights to ever do it in the UFC. How do you think this fight goes? I'll figure in many ways, right? I look at all the way all the ways it has been defeated before it's been knocked out before right it's been out of work before it's been kept long by rural before

so there's many ways I can approach it from what I've got available in my toolbox and my attributes right so I'm not still figuring out with my coaches what's the best way for me to do it I mean there's many ways I could do it and I'm just figuring out at a moment with my coaches

but I'll be ready for sure come first. I'm always ready. The last eight fights, I don't think I've ever had like a real deal to push me. The last eight fights, really. I've been too technical for everyone else. I've fought, you know what I mean? So let's see if this is a guy that's going to be technical as good as me and

and be able to ask me. So I'll be ready. There's many ways to skin the cat and I'll be ready to skin it. Leon, you're a legend, man. I can't wait for this. What a big moment for you. And thank you so much for joining us on the show again, my friend. It's always good, brother.

Thank you. All the best. Talk to you soon. And we're back great to speak to Leon as always. And that has really whets my appetite for... West, whiz! My appetite for UFC London. Great, great fights, man.

That is a good card. Like, even though, like, obviously, I wanted to see Arnold Allen on the card. I want to see... He nearly did it as well. Arnold Allen, Alan? No, that's just you, man. And Nathaniel Wood, obviously, fighting Dodson. Just some fights I would have really liked to see there.

But look, we do have some good ones, no doubt about that. We'll be hearing from Joey Herbert later on as well, who's on another doozy of a fight against Mark D.C. He is. Yeah, so just like, I guess we'll have a look back. The only card that was on last weekend was the one championship card, Fire and Fury. There's a huge win for Europe here on this card with Peter Boost,

I believe his name is, beating Edward Follinger. Alleyang, one of the great veterans of the sport, a two-time lightweight champion there. Obviously, huge win for Peter, and I'll probably put them right in that title picture there. I'm really impressed by him from the Netherlands. Really, really good stuff. They had not really many other Europeans in action there. They had Hogstad against Alma Unico, I believe, in a toy boxing fight. She bet Alma, Alma is a star that won.

Are definitely trying to push. She's an Australian, very young woman. that they believe is quite marketable as I know. But there's also, there was Chris Shaw from Scotland earlier in the night. He lost the unanimous decision to Rodlek in that movie Toyabout, but nothing really else other than that. So anything to add there, did you see any other combat sports over the weekend? No, no, I didn't.

They told me there was none and I just closed my eyes. That's fine, lads. Exactly. Yeah, it's good to do it once in the weekends. yeah part of the rugby Quayland Doris getting knocked out after four minutes Jesus Christ Irish number eight making his

six nations debut knocked out cold No, don't care That's the closest thing That was it And Bruno Fernandez met his debut If you annoyed it Oh yeah I was gonna ask you about that at the end

Yeah, we'll talk about it later Yeah thanks very much But no there was nothing else on really was there I can't I don't know No there wasn't Well I'll tell you one thing I did over the weekend Was speak to Morgan Sherry And what a beautiful seamless

segue into our interview with the French star. My God, this man has a ravenous support network. You know, just look at any of the Cage Warriors' posts or announcements made anything to do with Morgan. We've been talking about it for a long time. Probably since his Cage Warriors debut against Star and Back,

we immediately noticed that this guy is a huge deal to the French people. So... Hang on back. Yes, I spoke to Morgan about the fact that he's fighting for that Cage Warriors title, and we all know what the Cage Warriors title means. I've

got to say that the UFC from what I'm hearing the UFC are looking to put on a French event in November. Well, no other plays with elastic bands over there. So I just wanted to ask Morgan about that, about where

he sees his career going, how important he sees the Cage Warriors title and who does he want to fight for the Cage Warriors title, the interim title, of course, with Mads Burnell out. So let's go over to this interview with Morgan and we'll be back in about 15. I have

been looking forward to this moment for a very long time and I am pleased to say that we are finally joined by a man who had a huge year last year, a breakthrough year in European MMA for Morgan Sharier, a man who will be fighting for the interim Cage Warriors featherweight title on March 20th in London. Morgan, an absolute pleasure to be joined by you. I have been blown away by the sport you get online. It's insane. Thank you. Thank you. I'm really, happy to be here and to speak with you. Yes. I mean, first of all, I've got to ask, this fan base you have cultivated, it's amazing. I mean, I feel like you are the most popular fighter in France. Is this the way you see it?

Yeah. It's like the main people, the people who don't know about sports, about MMA, they know me. You know, like, if you go in the street in France and you ask them, do you know one French MMA fighter? I think they will say my name. I do too. I really do because every time I get tagged in one of these Cage Warriors

announcements that has something to do with you, I get a million notifications all through the day. Bing, Bing! Bing! The phone, it's crazy. How did you get so many fans? It's from last summer in July.

I've done with our French YouTube star. His name is Camel. We have done a, how can you say? We have done a small web show where he wants

to lose weight because he has a lot of weight. And so he contacted me on Twitter and he said to me that he wanted to lose weight. So I said to him, okay,

I can help you for that. But me, I need to go and have a lot of followers to get to the UFC, you know? Yes. Like, I know I'm a good fighter, but I know UFC are looking for guys that can bring some excitement, some show. So I was thinking, oh, can I do that? Or can I do something more than the other? And I was like, okay, social media is something I need to put all I have. in this. So this is what I do and I've do it for a long time. I was on Twitter,

on YG like 15,000 people was following me and then Carmel Cam. And we did our YouTube series and then it's just boom on YouTube, million, million views and then a lot of followers. And then he's never stopped growing and I'm still growing. Wow, that is incredible. And did he lose the weight? Yeah, yeah. He lose like, I think in pounds. It should be 40. Wow. 40 pounds. That's very impressive. Wow. Yeah, yeah, for no, 40 pounds. But we need to lose more weight. Wow. So you're going to do another show?

Yeah, yeah, we are not going to stop. We will continue. So this show, it's still going on? Yeah, yeah, yeah. There are some on YouTube. you can see, but it's in French. What is the name? What is the name of the show? You can see some, it's called

Plu Jamee Gros. Okay, Jamee Grande. Does that mean I am big? It means never again fat. Okay. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I will.

I'm going to learn how to speak French by watching this video, I promise you. I could. You have, you know, it's been announced that you will fight for the interim title.

In Europe, in European MMA, winning a Cage Warriors title is thought to be the golden ticket to the UFC. If you have that belt wrapped around your waist, nearly 100 fighters have gone to the UFC after being in Cage Warriors. Do you feel like this could be the final step for you before you go to the UFC?

I think, but I'm not sure, you know, you never know what the UFC are planning. But I think if I win this title, if I do a big win like a knockout or submission, I think I should be the 96th fighter from Casuala to sin to the UFC. But if not, I'm ready to defend that title or to fight with MADS and get to the UFC right after. But with the situation in France, I think it's the good moment for the UFC to sign me if I win the belt and put me on the October-November show in Paris. Yes, absolutely.

I was going to ask you about that. It seems everybody is trying to be the first promotion to host an event in France. I've heard that Ares Fighting Championship is trying. I heard the UFC is looking at a November date in France. And I have been told recently that Cage Warriors also want to put on maybe two events in France this year. surely you are the guy who is going to sell the most tickets in France. Is this the way you see it? Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course.

Like I've been talking with R.S. fighting, so they have reached to me. They wanted to have me on their show. But, you know, I'm in Cage Warrior. I want that belt. So I'm going anywhere without that belt. And Cage Warrior, I know they want to come to France. So if they come to France and I'm still not, a UFC guy, I will fight with Cage Warrior in France.

But I think Keogel will come like June, maybe. So maybe I will fight in June in France and then November in France again. Yes, yes. Why aren't you fighting Mads, Bernal? Is Mads injured? Did you want to fight Mads? Yeah, yeah, really. I want to fight Mads.

Mads is a good guy. He has a good level. He's a UFC veteran, and he has a good record. He has on, I think, six-fight to win streak right now. So to beat him, he will show the UFC that I'm a UFC really, you know? Yes, yes, I agree. And I think Mads is a fantastic fighter, as you said. But the big question now is, who are you going to fight for the interim title?

A lot of people were talking about maybe Paddy Pimbley, but I know Patti Pimbley, is fighting at lightweight against Donovan Desmey. Yeah. Who do you think? Who would you like? Is there someone that you're looking at that maybe could be a possibility for your opponent? To be honest, I see nobody on the casualty roster right now that can have the pretension to fight for the belt in the Featherweight division.

Because I've beat the former champion and the... and one of the contenders. So there's no other contenders than me. And Matt is out. Matt just defends his belt against another contender. So no, he's on one lose streak. So, no, I see nobody. Padji would be, you know, great for the show for the Cage Warrior.

But right now, like you say, he's in lightweight and he's fighting Donovan Desmey on this. on this this London card. So no, I really don't know who

they're going to find but you know I just want to fight anybody anywhere anytime. Yes, and of course

Ian Dean of Cage Warriors is considered one of the greatest matchmakers in the world especially in

European MMA and usually he does a very good job of getting maybe a UFC veteran or someone

like this to come in and fight for a title? Is that what ideally what you would like to get a UFC veteran or someone very well known to fight so you can make an even bigger statement?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, definitely. I would love that get a fight with an UFC veteran. So I can see if I have the level or not to be in the UFC to see if I'm UFC already. And if I got the win, I would like Evan, if I can, have another test on June against another UFC Vitch, you know, I have two wins over two UFCV to show the USA that I'm really USA ready and they can contact me for USA, Paris, and then I can do something big, you know, in the USA. Yes, yes.

I have to ask you, Morgan, about Dean Truman because your fans gave Dean Truman a hard time. My God, every time he's on Twitter, he puts up anything there like, bab, bab, bab, bab, bab. Why do they hate Dean so much? You know, he was the first to attack us. And he shouldn't do that, really. Like, I'm not too much in Trashal King.

I can do it. But, you know, I have like a line that I don't cross. Right. And then didn't cross the line like at the first street. So every French people that follow me, they love. They really love to attack someone. And so, you know, if a foreign guy attack me, okay, but Dean did the thing that was a little stupid. He just didn't attack just me.

He attacked the friends, you know. He said, like French people, you are coward and things like that. And so I just show what he said to my follower. And they were like, okay, okay, you want to do this like that? Okay. And so now they don't want to let him go. They love to attack him. And I don't know when they're going to stop because I've told them, you can stop.

So you have told them to stop. Yeah, yeah, because, you know, it makes me feel sad because, you know, he's a good guy. He had a good career. He gets that belt and he lost too much. a good guy, you can't say Maddie is not on a good level. This guy is a beast. So if Gene lose, it's part of the game, you know. And then he fights me, and of course, I come to win.

So I beat him. So it's hard for him. He had the belt. He knows he's on two losers Wednesday. And French people don't want to let him. They're on his eyes. on us telling him you lose your shit so you know i don't like that uh i'm i'm a fair play guy and you know we we are the fight uh i win and that's over you know but that's just how it is

my color doesn't see that like this yes yes it's crazy but it's it's uh it shows how much you mean to them but um you know really did that make did that make it all the more sweeter for you of course it was an amazing performance and an amazing finish. You got over Dean Truman and that really showed everyone that you are top of the food chain in Europe but did it make it feel better for you

because he had said those things about France before the fight? Yeah, yeah. For me it was really good that he was seeing like that because, you know, I need to get in the mood that when I want to finish the fight I want to do something.

And I'm a good boy. I'm not too much of a bully. So sometimes I've used to begin the fight and like, okay, let's go. I'm going to help this guy. And because he says things like that, I was a big piece of. My coach was pissed off. I really wanted to finish him. So I think if I get this knockout, it's because he says a thing like that.

Wow. Yes. It was a fantastic knockout. So just finally, Morgan, with legalization happening in France, with you and your fan base, the UFC planning an event, and you are about to fight for a Cage Warrior's title. This must be in a very exciting time for you. Yeah, really, I'm really, really excited.

Since the fight with Dinn, it's like, I'm excited. I know I'm in a good way to get to the US. see, I just need to keep winning and keep doing what I do on social media and seeing we will come. It's like, I just have to be patient. So I'm waiting and I'm doing my, my things. I don't stop. I keep training. I keep, I keep, I keep and I just wait to get my shot. And if it didn't come this year, you know, it will be next year. So no problem for me. I was wondering who could be the poster boy of French MMA for a long time. time. First of all, I thought it was going to be Cyril Gann. Then I thought it was going to be

Saladin Parnasse. But now I really believe that you could be the poster boy for French MMA. Is that what you believe? Yeah, it's not what I believe. It's like it's what I want to do. It's my, one of my goal is to become a legion in France of MNAS ball. You know, I want the kids when they start MMA, they say, I want to do like Morgan. And I'm coming because, I've saw Morgan. I really want to be that French star, that French people know. So this is what I'm working on. Morgan, I can tell you myself that you are already a star, my friend. I cannot wait to see you fight for the interim Cage Warriors Fed Away title. And I hope we can get you on the show again because this has been fantastic. I've learned so much about you. Thank you. I will

really, really love to get back on the show, really. Brilliant. Brilliant. Well, we will organize that, my friend and thank you again so much for your time thank you thank you bye bye what a pleasure it was and noil give me a bit of abuse there over this he said i was like joe joey barren at that french press conference when he starts uh and i was like uh i had to go back and listen to it morgan morgan morgan who will he casualty yes i don't think it was that bad but holy shit how impressive was he like his english is perfect yeah no very good very good I didn't know he could speak. Funny guy as well.

Oh, yeah, yeah. Great, great. What an incredible story about this YouTube show. Yeah, the guy lost all the weight. Yeah. 40 pounds. He signed me up next, Morgan. He sent me a link there for the show.

I'm going to embed it into any articles that come out after this episode. So he's going to have a look of his want. I'm sure there's a subtitle option there on YouTube. Especially when it's got like the popularity this show has. He's like saying like millions of views every show. And he's still doing it. It's an ongoing thing. So his,

his fan base will continue to grow if it's got that kind of popularity you know social media attraction looks good anyway so unbelievable yeah he's obviously a very popular guy and i think it's weird in france like we look at you know it was sort of the same with tom duquesne wa as well when he was fighting like tom was doing mainstream documentaries and stuff like that so like that's a good thing i'm excited to see you and you know it does come around now in france in a couple of months or whenever it was supposed to be this month um it's it's going to you're not hearing it here so it's fine um And I think it's going to be interesting to see that now

how the French people will take to these athletes and will they get behind them. So they seem to have a good track record of it, so hopefully it continues. Yeah, like, I mean, as I said to him, I was like, first of all, like, when I'm thinking about this French card this year, I'm like, Cyril Ghan's going to be huge there.

And if they can get Saladin Parnasse from KSW. But I mean, the numbers he's getting dwarf, both of those guys, like, he is a huge, huge presence online. You know what I mean? A huge fan base. So I feel like if he can get that belt, it would be a great signer for the UFC, man. Like, it would be ideal. Like, this is a guy that's obviously very experienced with the media.

He's very experienced with the spotlight. He's a guy that will do lots of interviews who's well known. You know, I feel like it's a win-win, but he's got to get that belt first. I don't know if Cage, like, I mean, Mads Brunel is going to want to fight him definitely when he has the interim title, so I don't know how that's going to play out. But I wanted to ask you because we just skimmed over it there at the, at the start of the show, Peter Quilly off that Dublin card

against Brent Primus. One of the fights, everybody was most looking forward to. Whatever it there, this is what we wanted to see when Bellator floated this idea and HV. was international,

like US fighters taking on our guys. And Quilly v. Primis, after Primis doing what he did to Tim, Tim Wilde and Queely, after what he done to ruin scope, was just so interesting.

And look, fair play to Chris Bungard stepping on but short nose. I think that's a bit weird. actually because wasn't Quilly trying to fight Bungard on this card? Yeah, we were talking about it for ages. Yeah, and I just, I don't really understand. Yeah, no, it's totally disappointing and it's, you know, it was one of those fights,

as you mentioned there, that it was a title limelader. You know, if Peter's winning that fight, he's claims to go and get a title shot, same for Brent. So it is disappointing, and I'm just going to try and see what Bellator are going to do. You know, Paul Redmond's there. Obviously, you fall out in the opponent for him as well, Ryan Scope and George Caracchian's in there going to be fighting him. That's a great fight, yeah.

Yeah, it's the one that should be bumped up. for me but I sure listen who knows what the brass will do there but yeah it's really disappointing a few of the opponents obviously have fallen off now so it's taken a little bit away from the card for me and in my opinion but I'm sure

the fans will turn out in force yeah I mean I'm looking at the card here and I'm just like right take ourselves out of the situation we can't be looking at this like we are we are Irish MMA guys so from an international perspective what is going to get you

excited here. Galler v. Cal, obviously, at the top of the card there. It's a very important one. Like, I mean, they'd be in big trouble if they lost that yet, imagine. Massively, yeah. And then, of course,

like, I mean, Redmond v. Car Canyon is huge for you internationally, right? Yeah. Like, I mean, it's one of the best fighters in Ireland against a well-established Bellator from America. Well, if you said it, you know, if phantom was to happen to the top

fight, that's the one that you'd sort of put your eyes on after it. As you said about Quili there, so, yeah, that should go up in his place. Of course it should, because there's not, like, in terms of international interest, it's very, very sort of domestic the rest of the fight card in terms of UK

and Ireland fighters. If you look down the fight card and obviously... Encampbellon's a great fight. It is a very good fight. My favourite fight is Bandais and Malambo. That's unbelievable. That is an unbelievable. fight. I even forgot that that was on the fucking card. That's probably the best fight in paper.

That's a brilliant matchup. Really, really exciting fight there. You know, two guys who have really impressed me. Yeah. Like, inside of it, we're struggling a little bit. I think so. Cam, we're in a very high level fight against this ironist guy, but I mean, it's just, it's not a name that's going to compel people, you know, like people, like, I don't know.

In terms of draws, yes. it's it's it's it's it's it's top heavy and we've lost a few of those names already so um obviously with peter queely peter brings a big big crowd um and i think paul's um or his opponent as well you know that would have been as we said you know it's a world title eliminator so people are getting excited they come along just to see that there's uh there's issues like i like a lot of these fights because i know the people that are in them like i like more peter v crawford as well like you know i like roddy v duncan's a good fight you know even flurry v more

but it's just like you know do people from the US look at this card and go oh my god you know but do they need to like I don't know I mean it's just just Bella torrenting themselves any favors you know we've talked about this and we talked about it again they were getting

things right putting on that fight but you have to have a back-up plan sometimes as well and maybe oil it out a little bit more and give more to the international audience because this is going on you know it's not going on TV in the in the US so I'm not so sure how many people are going to be interested in a lot of those fights in the US

if they're looking at trying to boost their numbers in Parliament yeah Gala is obviously going to be big TV like in the US they love them over there but um yeah I guess it's it's we're going to just have to see how it goes like do you think it does it affect numbers like are they still going to see a sell out like do you think

yeah yeah I think they will you know but it's not like I can understand from Belator's perspective a little bit, right? We keep on going like, oh, we want these fights and this fights. They keep selling the place out, so why, what's the incentive? Like, what's their incentive? You know the reason why they're selling the place out?

Why? It's because local fans. We've talked about this before. It's clubs and stuff like that. It's not what they're doing in the marketplace themselves, because loads of those fighters are selling four or five hundred fucking tickets per gym or whatever. Like, it's only a nine and a half thousand arena. And yeah, it probably will be sold out because the Irish Lema fans

are grace. It's way better than any other other European events. Yeah. But like, most fucking people don't know what's going on. You know, if they're going on this attack and going into a mainstream audience, they've done fucking nothing to make an imprint in it, in my opinion. That's just being realistic. Like, when do you hear about anyone talking about,

Bellator? You'll hear them talk about UFC. Like, I feel like it really picks up on Fight Week. You know, like, you hear people, like people that generally won't be talking about MMA or Bellator. Like, they kind of know on events on in the three arena, but, yeah, I understand what you're saying, all right. but yeah we'll have to wait and see how it goes down on February 22nd

um not long now a couple of weeks away two weeks is it three yeah in between in between two and a half we're not kind of days right well look from Bellator to back to the UFC um Joy Herbert making his debut on that London card it's a beautiful fight we really love it against Mark D. Casey like I mean I was speaking to joy about this And I was saying, like, from your point of view, you, like, all the pressures on Mark there. Everyone internationally knows Mark. They've seen him in big fights. He has, you know, he's been in there.

He's establishing the UFC. Whereas Joy's coming in, people will look and they'll say, well, this is his debut. He's coming in on short notes. They'll expect that Mark will be a favorite, right? So, I mean, he comes in and he beats the case. He is off to the races. And I also feel like with Leon on the card, it's gray for him. It's going to put an extra spot.

Yeah. Because definitely. You don't have to even ask. on he's just going to tell you about Joe like every interview you know what I mean so that's that's perfect of course it's it's deadly and I think maybe you know as you said there for UK and Ireland fans it's not so much

of a maybe discrepancy if you're looking oh yeah no but I'm talking about guys who they've never seen Joy before they don't watch Cage whereas well they're for a good surprise yes because the guy throws down and bangs and that's the fight I'm looking at seeing I think Markle Markle might be surprised you know of course he does

we saw we saw it Mark and he saw we saw it Mark a lot of mine in and in Manchester a few years because that was unbelievable. I do, I do favour joy in the striking exchanges, but I know how dominant of the rest of D.K.A.C. I think Mark's going to try and use the wrestling in this one.

I think, you know, that's what he talked about previously. He was going back to maybe his roots and getting a little bit more wrestling in. So it's really interesting, fight, love it. I think it's going to be an absolute war. And, you know, probably early days,

early doors, potential fight a night right there in London. Yeah, I think so. I think it's, like, I mean, if D.C.C. I mean, if D.K.C.C.s. . I don't think it'll be to be the fight a night. but um it's uh look i seeing what joy did against steve uh kev he was out grappled for so long and then he um you know

the first opportunity he got he finished a fight like so i mean that's the type of guy he is um he's great crack too of uh i've loved getting to know more by doing these interviews he's a funny guy man so down to earth um so yeah let's go over to the joy interview and we'll be back shortly we asked for it to happen we asked the MMA gods to give Joy Herbert a UFC contract and they have come up trumps. The former now Cage Warriors lightweight champion has signed on a dotted line with the UFC and he is set for a huge debut on one of the best fights of the entire card against Mark D.KSA on March 21st in London. Joy Herbert, how does it feel my friend?

UFC lightweight? Well, Saturday, yeah, yeah, USC lightweight. About fucking time, isn't it? It must feel good though, man. Yeah, man, it feels... It feels awesome, man. It's been a long time coming. It's finally here now, so, yeah, let's get it cracking.

Let's get the ball rolling. It's funny, right? Yeah, because, I mean, we were talking the last time, and I really, like, I felt as though you really were up in the air at that stage. You were like, it might happen, and might not. You were definitely kind of 50-50. How did it feel when the call came true? Can you tell us how that happened?

What was that moment like? Yeah, it was. He was, he was, like, I had a phone called off Graham, and he was, he was, like, asking me all questions, and I said, oh, you might have to, you know, mate, you might have to get in at short notice, because they're still saying, like, they need to cut guys, and it might be, like, you might have to, you know, you might have to, you know, jump in a fight in three weeks, no, he's all right, and I was like, oh, all right, and I said, I'll have a meeting with him now, anyway, I'll get back to you.

And then he's come off, I'll come off, I'm thinking, oh, bloody, man, goody, man, let he, sure not his fight, so I might not get in. And he's running me back straight away And he's going, all right, mate And there's another thing And I was like, yeah, yeah, what's up? I was only pulling your leg, you got the contract

And I was like, Yeah, yeah, I was laughing in that And then my mission was in that I was getting crazy. I was just like, cry, I was laughing like, it's funny, man, I was just happy like ecstatic, you know what I mean?

Is it an emotional moment? Like, I'm a very sensitive man. I can imagine I'd start bawling crying. I'd say in a glass box of emotion if that just happened to me, is it like that? Does it feel like, like, you've worked for so many years just to get to this moment and then it happens. Is it, like, it must be an amazing feeling.

Like, it must be an absolutely unbelievable feeling. I'd say so many times in your career, people have tried to knock you back. I know they have with Bama and that ticket bullshit back in the day. And then to get that call to say, like, you are one of the elite fighters in the world, it must be amazing. Yeah, it was, it was like, you know, I was like, I was relieved. and, you know, it was an amazing feeling. But in another sense, I don't want to, like, get too, you know, too above myself.

I want to keep level-headed. You know what I mean? Exactly in the day, I don't want to be one of these guys. Like, oh, they've got to the UFC, then that's it, then they just got to the USA, they don't do very well in the USA. They're just like, oh, that's an achievement. But getting to the UFC, I ain't thinking like that, I'm getting in the UFC, and I'm like,

as soon as got to call on the guy, who are fighting next, you know, it's what I've got to do. I've got to, you know, I've got to push on now, I've got to improve more. Like, I want to do, I want to do well in the US, you know, I'm going to. Like, so it's like, the journey I end. Like, I didn't want to feel like, oh, I'm solving to me.

Because, like, it's just starting now. So I was, I kept myself level ahead. I'm keeping myself level-headed. And, like, you know, I'm, I'm getting prepared. Yes. So, yeah, man. Yeah, man. It makes sense.

It makes sense to me why you are the professional fighter, and I am not after listening to that. But, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. How quickly, how quickly before you rang the Sky, half holding office and told them, lads, I'm not going to be in on one day. I mean, how long did that take you for five minutes? Yeah, like, I got the phone call about three weeks or three weeks or two, three weeks or something like that.

I told a couple of lads I was working with, but they kept it quiet for me. And, because I was like, I ain't going to say nothing yet, because I don't know what, if I've got a thought, coming up or anything yet. So obviously, I'm going to carry on working until I've got a fight. And then, but he asked me about, oh, he says, do you want to follow that? I think a week later, he says, you want to fight on USC London, Martinique Casby?

I was like, yeah, yeah, sounds. So then we all, that was all sorted. So I don't know if I can tell my Gaffa about it, I'm not going to be on work. So I saw him, like, and I told him, and he was sound about it. He says, yeah, yeah, just give it your own, mate. You know, I understand.

All the best, man. Hope you do really well. We'll all be rooting for you. It was sweet, man, yeah, yeah. Amazing. Even if it wasn't, even if it wasn't straight, you know, I'm in a big man, I'm in the UFC, you know what I mean?

What the scaffold didn't be? Just knock him out and walk off the building side. Really? You mentioned it there. He's not good but also. You mentioned it there

that the matchup in itself is one thing that's really exciting me. It's two former Obama champions and of course your Cage Warriors champion on top of that. But Mark is seen as

an experience going in the UFC. I feel like this fight is made. In terms of international audiences, of course, diehard fans know that you have a huge

like, you know, it's a very, very close fight here. A huge, I think you have a striking advantage. I think he has a wrestling advantage. But I did say that before you fought Jack Grant as well, and you shove them words right back down my throat.

But I'm just saying in general. But the pressure is on him here, right? Like, he's the experienced UFC fighter. From like the US perspective, from the UFC's perspective, if you come out here and you do what you do and you knock this guy out, this is huge. This is a huge statement win for you. Do you feel like that?

I mean, the ball is in your part here to make a huge impression very quickly. Most definitely, mate. That's what I'm saying when they offer me to fight. I was like, oh, yeah, yeah, that's. Obviously, I speak to, I speak to Greece first,

as I always do. And Tom's like, yeah, yeah, 100%, 100% this is, you know, it's good fight for you. It's where you need to be. It's this level of opponent, you know what I mean?

100% have got a belief in you that you'll go all the way to the top. I feel the same, you know what I mean? At in the day, I feel like, you know, I'm 31, I'm in my prime now.

So, this is where, like, coming at this level, someone who's like got a decent name in the UFC got some good scalps it's a good fight first fight for me so I ain't got a couple of people who just just got in the UFC themselves and then build myself up to this level and then build myself up again to the top 10 so I'm sort of getting straight in the mix if you know what I mean so it's like come next year I could be fighting in you know

to get in the top 10 and stuff top 15 so at this stage this stage in my career it's it's a good it's good place to be We spoke to Leon Edwards at the top of the show, of course, your teammate at Renegade, who was headlining the event against former world champion Tyron Woodley, and he said he really likes this fight for you. He's like, it's not like, I think it's a good fight in terms of Mark's a big name, etc. He goes, I think it's a great style matchup for Joy. And I think Joy is capable of knocking this guy out very quickly.

I mean, when you think about it, look, your fame for your incredible hands. They call you the cannon for Christ's sake, the black country bang. I mean, do you feel as though this is an opponent where you can really showcase your ability? on the feet and maybe even get that knockout? Yeah, yeah, I feel like I can go against anyone and them get a knockout, to be honest with you. Yeah, obviously, most of it got a good, you know, a good stand with himself, a good striver.

You know, he's got a few knockouts himself. So, yeah, yeah, it'll be a good fight in the feet. But yeah, I'm totally 100% confident in mobility that I can get in and get a huge. So, yeah, like you say, it's a good, it's a good, for me, especially, you know, he's a good name and that. But yeah, it should be a great fight for the fans, man.

I'm excited. And that kind of catapults you, as you say, in the division, right? Like, I mean, D.C. is well respected, as he should be. I mean, the guy came into the UFC as an undefeated prospect of champion. He lost a few fights to top-tier guys. But, I mean, he's fought some great guys as well. Like Joseph Duffy, he has some great wins. Do you feel as though this will kind of put the division on notice?

Like, you might not have heard of him before now, but this guy hereber can bang. Yeah, man, that's what I'm saying. This I'm saying, the guy's got a good name, you know, he's beat. he beat Duffy. He beat Vanita in his last fight, and he's a decent name himself, you know what I mean? So, yeah, yeah, get the scalp and obviously, boom,

they're going to put me straight up there, isn't it? Yeah, I mean, it's all good, man, this is what we want. This is what you want in your career, man. You need these tests, these things, you know. It's going to, when you look back at it when you're in an armchair and that, you're like, yeah, man, I went in there and I fought these guys and I, you know, and I got them all to work my head

top, I do it the hard way. So it's just exciting times, bro. Yes, it really, is. It really is. I've got two more for you and thank you again for joining me today, Joy. First of all, right, you're in the hot seat. You have just vacated the Cage Warriors Lightway

Championship. Who is going to be the next Cage Warriors Lightway champion? Now we have a few guys in the mix. There's Mason Jones. There's Patty Pimby. I'm going to forget someone, someone's going to get upset with me, but I mean, you know, there's a few guys there. Like even I can't think off the top of me yet. Even

Joe McCaulding, these different dudes all kind of jumping up and saying they want the shot. Who do you think will be wearing that belt around their waist next? I don't know who they're going to have the fight with. He's Paddy fighting in London? Donovan Desme, I believe. Oh, is he fighting Desma again, yeah? Yeah.

Well, I think they've been booked to happen. Yeah, I think... Yeah, twice, but the both got injured, didn't they? Yeah, it's like the Havid and Tony of Cage Warriors. Do you know what, bro? Do you know what I like, bro? I like that young lad, Auburn Elliot. Oh, yeah, the Welsh kid.

Oh, he's only had a couple of... He had the worst guy, man. He's only had a couple of, I think he's about, like, two or three fights in Casual. I'm telling you, mate, this kid's good, man. He's, I reckon he'll go all the way and get the stuff. I don't know if you'll get it next, but I feel like in a few fights time, he's going to be, yeah, he's going to be up there, and he's going to have it, bro.

So, yeah, I look forward to seeing him doing bits in the, in case where he was. But for now, it's probably going to be, I'd probably say, oh, Paddy might get in next year, to be fair. Yeah, he may get in next. Yeah. Have you been trying to avoid it? saying that one way or the other there because a lot of people, someone's going to get upset with you here, right?

No matter who you predict it, the other person's going to get a bit upset. Yeah. You know what I mean? Yeah, fuck it. Nah, you know, they're all good, we're all good guys, you know what I mean? But like I say, I do like to look at Aubin. I think he's a good, he's one to watch, and I think he'll get his hands on it soon.

But in the meantime, I think probably Paddy will get in next to be fair. Right, okay. And here's the next one, okay? you are, I believe that you were the 96th or 95th I did 95th fighter signed from Kage Roy's the UFC Who was number 96?

Any division now It doesn't have to be a lightweight Hopefully, he can a fire See my boy in the fire is Frederick Fucking animal What's he say? He's like a lion He's a fucking lion, bro.

He's a animal Hope he gets it, bro, and he deserves it, bro, he's been grasping for years And that, hopefully he gets him He does a little as he's defending from him again Defends his title and then they give him the shout like cause and then day is an exciting fight You know he goes that he puts his wear his heart in his sleeves

It's got some banging you get me in there yeah many deserves it deserves to be in the UFC But if if it's not in the fires It's I reckon it's gonna be um Ross Houston or maybe Reese or Keith I reckon maybe one of them too yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah I mean Ross or Reese too both good lads yeah I feel like Ross been knocking on the dog for so long but it's just he hasn't had a fight recently and that's what's holding him back it's nearly like i feel if he wins one more fight they'll sign him you know yeah hopefully they do man

yeah hopefully he gets he gets he gets the call yes or you know i've been looking at the fight in that but maybe maybe riec i think rick might be coming up there as well soon a couple more fights as well yes yes i agree i agree he has that belfast card coming up so that could be his big statement win like you've had many as well before you before you get the call up you know but um joy i have to Thank you for coming on and joining us again. We're all delighted. Honestly, it's the best news of 2020 so far. And I love that fight, man.

That fight is incredible. And I'm going to be over in London. Yeah, so I'll be over in London. I'll get to have a sit down and chat with you over there. And I really can't wait to see it. I might rob a pair of Reeboks off here or something. You know what I mean? We'll see whatever you have to spare.

Whatever, bro. Come on. Yeah, man. Well, listen, I'll, yeah, my link up after or something. You know what I mean? Absolutely, man. that would be great. All the best to you.

And thank you so much for this again, man. I can't wait to see you in London. All right. Nice one, Pete, catch you there, yeah. Yeah, great to speak to Joy.

And this is how much of a nice guy he is, all right? I asked him a question towards the end that I interview. And I was like, who's going to be the next Cage Warriors lightweight champion? And,

you know, in the moment, like, when I ask questions like that, I can't even think. You know what I mean when you're putting the spot? Yeah, yeah,

and he obviously said who he taught. I think he said, Paddy, like the Donovan Desmey fight. could be made for the title. He was talking about Mason Jones, different guys like that. And then he rang me back. And he was like, we had obviously finished the interview.

So we hadn't, we hadn't any recording equipment on me or whatever. He was like, I forgot to say Jack Grant. He goes, oh, man, I think it definitely could be Jack Grant. So I said, I'll definitely say it after the interview because you've gone to the effort of ringing me. But what a guy. And he's dead, right. Jack Grant's a savage. And he's got that fight with Medi Ben Lactar coming.

So yes, very, very exciting. stuff. But, um, now it seemed like good skins, uh, him and his misses as well. Yeah, she's very active online.

So, uh, you know, good people and it's good to see it work out for them. You know, I think we can go back as far as you mentioned in the interview as well. They're about the Bama tickets and that absolute calamity that Bama fucked him over. Shockingly.

It was outrageous. It was an outrageous thing I've ever seen in my life. So, how stupid? Like, you know, in hindsight, look at this guy.

That's, you know, two years ago, probably at this point and fucking, just insanity. what goes on to see this guy graft all the way and even after the lost to Reese McKee and to bounce back and bounce back in such devastating fashion and to ultimately get there it's a real feel-good story and I deserve feel-good story

there's no there's no you know there what's the word I'm looking for here there's no real um you know what you see is what you get he's straight up and there's no bologues yeah there's no bollocks and I respect that a lot and I'm delighted to see him in there and I think it's going to be a really good fight as I said one thing actually so I break this story that he's stepping in for actually knew some MMA were kind of suggesting it and they are linked to D.Casey's kind of very heavily so I was like, alright, if they're talking about this

is happening, I confirmed it then myself and I put out the story. And look, it's great news for Joy. And Reese is one of the guys congratulating him, a guy who used to fuck. Why do people use that opportunity to get in the comments and be like, oh, they should sign Reese because he knocked him out, like Jesus.

Reese's moved up away because he's gone a different direction. I mean, it's just so weird. Like, Reese is nothing but respect for Joy as Well, like, look, I think Reesel will be signed in the future. Like, I mean, they have these Belfast events coming up for Cage, where he's going to be the centre piece. You know, so I think that will happen.

But I just don't understand why people, when something good happens, they need to use the opportunity to shit on someone. They're bitter bastards. MMA community, you're fucked up. You're all fucked up motherfuckers. Yeah, I am as well. It's very, very, very fucking true. Let's have a look at this 247 card, will we, sir?

Talk into the microphone, help. He's terrible for the internet. Listen, this lad playing with his shoes, playing with pens. They don't hear me though. I'm aware of what's going on in the ear sets here, right? It's just tough when they're trying to record a podcast, you know? Shut up, you little whiner. There you go.

It's just somebody crazy, my fucker. Just a professional, that's all. Yes, so this card is interesting. We have some very interesting European fights on this. And people often ask me when I'm on the A side with our fellow Orchman, Jose Youngs. Don't please mention that name in this broadcast. Jose Young's He

Prick. He People always say to me They go crazy When I'm like Valentina Shavchenko is European And lads I know I understand the geography here

And I understand The Krikistan is on the Asian border Or whatever We can't But we don't care All right That's what just That's what just need to realize

We don't give a shit We decide Not you, we do We are the Euro bash We fucking call the shots here But so Europe's Valentina and Shevchenko Defending her

Floydway crown It's called Eurasia bash Yeah, you're right. We got a syllable in, we're claiming her. Caitlin Chukagin in the Komen event here. Chukagian,

who's also of European descent. She'll claim her as well. I'm on team, Chef Jankar. Okay, fair enough. But look, the thing about Chuggan is she's hard to hit, but Valentin is very good a hit. So that's why I'm going in favor of the champion. Yeah, now that's it.

It's, you know, it's similar. possibly very similar sort of style matchup to the Jessica eye matchup you know Jessica's a quick go boxer with her hands but listen Valentina just has so many more tools in her locker than Chukagin

and that's what it comes down to I can't see Caitlin winning this fight she might give her a few problems I think it's just going to be a tough fight to watch as well like I mean I don't think the U.S.C. wanted to put Chukagin in the title fight I think she basically backed against the wall with so many wins

and they had to do it I agree with you and I don't think it's going to end well I seem it very very similar, you know, maybe not as vicious as that knock out against Jessica I, but along the same sort of lines and same sort of style of fight we're going to see here, and I can't see anything but Valentina

Schochenko coming out with her hand raised. I think it'll be a decision, to be honest. I think Chukagin's very good at being evasive, and, you know, if she doesn't want to exchange with Chepchenko, she doesn't have to, basically. Yeah, I think... I don't think Valentina is going to want to hang around for five rounds and going to try and end it. I think it's just tough to do against Caitlin. I wouldn't

rule it out going the distance there. Mirosad Bechtich against Dan Oig, Ege, sorry, isn't it? Sorry. Oh, he said, Oig, Ike. Ege. Yeah, so that's a huge fight for Dan, I guess, but Mirosat and desperate need of a win here. This could be

a very, very tough fight to lose for him coming off that knockout loss to Josh Emmett, right? Yeah, I just, you know, with Mirat it's been weird to see what's gone on in his career because it seems like he's got away from his strengths, which was obviously is wrestling and just bathroom people

and just bathroom people but like it seems like he tried to stand and bang and he just got caught in a few fights like he was very good against Josh Emmett he was probably winning the fight until he got he got caught by Josh you know and I just wonder

you know as the mental doubts all that coming in here but you know a guy that we were talking about as a potential world champion a few years ago and he's not far off like I mean he like I mean he just needs to get some meaningful wins he needs needs to get some momentum. I feel like every time we're like, oh, yeah, like, you know, he's bearing down on this

title shot, he'll suffer a bad loss. Like, I mean, Darren Elkins' loss. It felt like it took a long time for him to get back. Yeah, massively. Massively. And then he beats Lamas, he beats Pepe. They had the Moikano fight booked. He got, he had to pull out of that because of injury.

And then Emma happens. Like, I mean, I wonder, all these guys who spent a long time wrestling and stuff, I often wonder about how their bodies are, you know, because it's, you know, because It's a grind, man. That's the fucking sport. He's just had so little momentum, as you said, talking about injuries there. He hasn't fought very often.

That fight, what is it? It's a year ago is the Emmett fight. There was the first round. I was seen the Elkins fight. Sorry, I don't know. It was referencing that. But I think against Josh Emmett as well, he was in control of that early on

and then obviously got caught. But yeah, it's just a matter of getting in there and getting fights. In six years with the UFC, he's fought eight times. Like, there you go. it's not enough to be knocking on the door at the Federer elite level

and, you know, challenging for that title. And he's a guy that can clearly do it. It's just a matter of if he's going to implement that and do it. And he's obviously up with the guys that try starting out as well. I'm more of a... I'd love to see him really just go back to wrestling, just bang, bang, bang, and just maybe get away from sort of swinging

and trying to knock guys out. But let's see what happens here. It's a good fight. Fans are going to love you for that one. Right. Any other Europeans here? Yes, of course. the Tiffy against Derek Lewis in his heavyweight debut,

the size discrepancy is going to be quite poignant there. Like, I mean, the Tiffy's not the tallest light heavyweight, never mind. He's made, what, 5, 9, 10? Like, he's not massive.

He's obviously a brick of a unit. He looks like that dude out of marbles or whatever he is that made of bowlers. Do you know what his name is? Yeah, I just can't see this one. You know, again, it's for Lil Tifi. Like, he's... The TV should win.

He's built himself up, and then he's lost a couple of fights you're just going where's where's he going yeah you know what I mean it's been like this consistently and then you look at Lewis I don't know man I think Lewis is going to win this like uh oh it's the touch he's just yeah it's the touch and it's

it's you know even if he's in comp you know how many times does this happen where he's been on his aris and he's been getting his ass kicked and he just comes gets up and fucking throws a right overhand right against the fence and someone's down I can I can see like yeah okay that like it could definitely be a vintage

very vintage noise right like that but I feel like Latifie has the skill set where he could just wrestle wrestle him to death here like Would he be able to take the bees down? Yeah, I feel like that's big dude Like he is

He's a big unit I think that will help him I'm interested to see them side by side He doesn't need to change levels You can just run flat out of him and take it down Yeah, he could get a club fist To the back of the side of the head or something Like I don't know

It's a tough one of call But I think I'm going on with Derek in this one It's just And Latifi hasn't Back in his continent He hasn't instill me with confidence. You never know what you're going to get with you.

Are you even European? No. I'm from Kregistan. There we go. So you are European. Well, there, yeah, I am. But, no, he just doesn't instill me with confidence, man. And I think, like, the beast, you know, the beast pulls it out when you're, you, you least

a second. The beast pulls it out. She still sounds like, pull out. The beast pulls out. Stop. Okay, let's just move on. Let's get away from this. We bet I talk about the main event a little bit.

John Jones v. Dominic Reyes. I have to say, I actually kind of like the fact that Jones has been obviously offended by people kind of bringing up the Dom Reyes as this athlete or whatever. He's like, yeah, you didn't even make a training day for an NFL team. You didn't even, you know, what are you talking about? Like, I like it. Man, the new Jones is fucking brilliant. I love him.

I love. The new Jones, why? You know the new, the last two years, John Jones. Just embracing the bad guy. Embracing the fucking badass motherfucker that he is. He is. Right? So, yeah, listen, pull them all out.

I don't care. put your cards in the table, show of everything out. If it gets under your opponent's skin, fucking it works. Man, it's a fight game. You're only in there for a while. Yeah. We're not here for a long time. It doesn't get me, this is like I said to Brown.

It doesn't get me excited this fight, like, because, man, he's done everything. He's beating everyone. It's just, it's time to go up to heavyweight. You know, win this. I think he's going to fight once more, apparently it's light heavyweight. I just don't get it, man, because. Cory Anderson if he beats. Yeah, yeah, Corey does deserve it.

I think Corey should have gotten this shot anyway, you know, ahead of him. And I think he did lose. We were about in agreement. We were in UFC London. I think it was last year when Osdemeer fought him that Osdimir should have really got that decision against...

Against Reyes? I was working in the back so I didn't really see the fight. I thought he had took a 29, 28. And yeah, I just... Listen, there's not much he can do to be John James. Is that like a compelling sell

though to the US audience to see a guy with 12 and O? Do you know what I mean? Like, I'm talking about casual fans who don't watch fights like, you know, and they tune in the boy of pay-per-view. Do you think that works having a undefeated guy?

because they haven't promoted them. Yeah. There's very little known about it. You know, even I'm sure a lot of the hardcore fans wouldn't be massively aware of Dominic Reyes. Like, do you know what I mean? Like, I'd say Cory Anderson would be a far bigger name. Corey's had way bigger spots and bigger cards. I think Dominic Ray's...

Rattled the cage of it too hard. I don't think he's there. Yeah, I think he pissed off Dana that time after. I love that. I love that. It was fucking brilliant. It's the best interview he's ever done. It's what gets people talking.

Fair fuck to him, man. And best of luck to him. And I hope he gets John Jones next. He fucking melted that Mike. Jose went up to that media day, that Dominance MMA thing. And I can remember it just popped up on Twitter. I was like, what? What happened to Cory?

Yeah, he just like flipped, man. You know, we've interviewed Corey before and on side. I think he fought Jimmy Mano and like, fucking hell, man. That was just, it was brilliant. Fucking keep doing it. Yeah, it's cool. But listen, I think it's going to be straightforward work for John Jones here. And it's no disrespect to Dominic.

I think, you know, we know John is on a different level. to most fighters in the planet. And I think we're going to see a statement from John Jones. Introduce your interview with the great Six Guns, please. Yeah, I caught up with Brandon Six Gun Gibson to talk about, obviously, the fight coming up this weekend. And I asked him about some potential European prospects coming out of Jackson Wink, MMA Academy down there in Albuquerque. So we're back in about 18 minutes to fucking wrap up the show. Always a privilege and a pleasure to speak this man.

One of the best striking coaches in the world. It is Brandon Gibson. fighter John Jones goes back in the cage this weekend at UFC 247. Brandon, first of all, my friend, how are you? Great to speak to you again. Oh, I'm feeling great. Always a pleasure to talk to with you now. Cheers, man.

Brandon, we're just chatting off air there before we came on. You've just wrapped up things there last night. I think you did the final spar with John ahead of this fight against Dominic Reyes. How's everything gone in the buildup? How was the camp gone? How was training gone? How is John? You know, in the last 14 months, John's fought three times.

So this will be our fourth time. And, you know, John had layoffs in the past for various reasons. But we're very excited to just have him consistently fighting and consistently in camp. And I feel like we're really taking his skill set, his strength, his conditioning, and his overall strategy to a whole new level. What are the main challenges with? John. Obviously, we can talk about his checker past the problems he's had

outside of the cage. Is there maybe, you know, sometimes is it hard to get John motivated because he's literally nearly beaten everyone in the light heavy weight division? What's the major challenge you see when you're training, John? No, it's never motivation. Once he has an

opponent, he really dials and he gets focused on it. He's going to be the marquee matchups like a DC or a Duffington. But John gets ready. He does. And he takes so much pride in his legacy and his status as the greatest of all time. And, you know, larger goals, not just the Dominic race, but what I want to accomplish in 2020. So getting ready, prepared, having him up at the gym is never a challenge. It's really not. He loves what he does.

And our team's grown a bit. So we have new people helping us out. I think that helps his motivation as well. What new people are helping you guys out ahead of this fight? We have a great new Thai coach. It's been out of the Jackson Week for about two years now. Alex, Pong, Dong, and Alex is doing a great job, helping John Polish the finite details of his tie moves. So Alex has been a great addition. We have Garrett D'Sulles, who's a new Strength and Edition.

coaches been helping out quite a bit and then the staple of coaches that we've had for about a decade now. What do you see, Brandon, when, you know, I think it's fair to say that maybe John has become more of a fluent striker. Maybe the spinning attacks have come somewhat out of his game and he's more technically based. Is that something that you've strived to do with John, is to get that element, maybe cleaner striking and more precise striking instead of doing the exuberant kind of shots and combinations? You know, I think they all complementary, or complementary moves. So there's definitely a time for him to throw his famous spinning elbow, and there's times from to throw a spinning back kick,

and there's also time to sit down on a hard jab cross or to, you know, like the second D.C. that really attacked the body to set up the head strike. So I feel like as his full arsenal gets more polished, the more we'll be able to bring out the creative attacks and combos. But, you know, even in the last few fights, we saw him to, like, some amazing, like, jump, faint shot flying knees at Santos and Anthony Smith and spinning heel kicks, and John's eyes are just continuing to get that much sharper.

For you, and I noticed that fight, it's funny, wrote that up against Santos. I could remember, it was either you or maybe or Greg or Mike, I'm not sure, calling for John to do more combinations. Would you like to see John maybe put more volume together when he's throwing combinations? John is like the king of a variable single strike attack at times. So once he does decide to switch and go into a combination, he'll usually hit 100% of all the moves going in the combo. John's very patient.

There's no rush. And I think that's another huge advantage John has in these title bouts. how accustomed he is to fighting five rounds. You know, he's been fighting five-round fights for a decade now. So he knows he has time, he doesn't have to come out swinging right away. He doesn't have to throw the kitchen sink. He's very methodical about when we throw a combo, when we use, you know, and how we establish attacks.

Definitely. Were you a little, do you ever get frustrated in that situation then? Because in the Sanis fight, there was possibly an opportunity thing in the fifth round to Finn of Sanis. and God knows how that guy's day and that fight altogether with his knees blown out. It was a remarkable show of courage.

But is there ever frustration that you want John to maybe, you know, pile it on a little bit more in situations like that to get the finish? We always love a finish, but we love victory even more. So, you know, Santos was very, I mean, even with his knee injured,

he was swinging such hard hooks and being their cage side, you could feel the velocity of those. You could see the speed. sweat flying and you could see Santos had no quit in him. He was going to swing the hardest to kill the bell. So, you know, John had to stay very

cognizant, very aware, and continue to make sure that he controlled the fight in Dominant not give Santos an edge the slightest wind. What do you see? I know you're obviously a big student of the game, you know, being in the profession you're in and in the striking business. What do you

see in Dominic Reyes? Because you know, it's been a little bit up and down from for him. I know he's unbeaten, but, you know, possibly that fight against Vulcan, Osdemear in London, I was over covering the fighting, and, you know, a lot of people had that fight scored for Vulcan, and then he obviously coming off a win last time out as well. What do you see in an opponent to him for

John Jones? I think Dominic's greatest strength is his confidence. You know, he has a competitive mindset. He comes out very hard early on, and I agree with you. I scored the Vulcan fight

in Vulcan's favor. I thought Vulcan did more than enough in the second and third to wrap it up. But Reyes stayed game. You know, like Santos, Reyes also stayed game just throughout the fight. You know, he caught Ovent with the second left. So, you know, I think he always has great power in his left side, good speed on his right side. And he's gained.

He knows that this is a big moment for him, and I think he's going to do everything he can to seize it, It's going to be our job to shut him down on every area. Take him to some deep waters. Yeah, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing John, obviously, back in there. I think the mixed martial arts world is. But when you look back in the past, and John's talked about how he let you guys down at times with his actions outside of the cage,

when you're in the gym now with John, and that situation arises, he's back in the gym, do you sort of look back and you could see maybe faults, you know, him coming in training, different things that he was doing? And maybe what I'm saying is, Can you recognize if John was maybe up to no good outside of the cage from his behavior in the gym? You know, I think we all really stuck by each other through the trying times, and we knew that these good times were going to come, and we just had to, you know, stay committed to each other,

stay focused on the large goals and help each other become better men, each and every one of us throughout these experiences. And I think we kind of made a vow to each other that, you know, when we got through all of these trials and tribulations, that we would fight as hard as we could for each other. And I believe that's what we're doing. I think 2019 was a great example of that. So, yeah, you know, John's in a much different place than he was a few years ago,

and I see his strength and his resolve and his maturity. So I'm excited that his personal life is getting a better and better place every day, and I think that will show even more in the art he puts out in the cage. Is John much like Connor McGregor that you sort of have to keep him in the gym, you have to keep him busy in the world and obviously you've mixed martial arts?

Do you have to keep him in the gym to maybe keep him out of a little bit of trouble outside of the cage? Oh, I'd like to think that even, you know, when he's done with the fight game, that he won't be causing no trouble. But I think that having a passion and a goal

and a love for what you do, no matter what our jobs are in life, will benefit you in every capacity. So, you know, when John does have a fight in the goal, I think he's truly at his best in every area of his life. Obviously, the testing, I think, is going to come up again this week. You know, obviously the peak of Grams that was in the bill up to the last fight,

and the fight prior against D.C. You know, the amount of testing, I think John was tested, you know, about 9 to 10 times, you know, in the last foot. Has it been the same in this fight camp? Has John been rigorously, rigorously tested over and over again? Oh, yeah. And John's still tested by three different agencies.

He's still tested by Yusada, Wanda, and Nevada. So, John, I mean, he's the most tested athlete in mixed martial arts for sure, if not any sport. Yeah, and, you know, they'll always be those critics up there. But it's funny because now you saw it as new limit on the in three metabolite that he had failed for or been flagged for how you saw it as now an acceptable limit. So with the current limits, we would have never been pulled out of UFC 200 or any of these other issues. So I think it was at a point where the science was better than our understanding of it. Like the testing capacity was better than our understanding of it.

Does that pace you off? Yeah, absolutely. Like, you know, we all lost out on a lot of opportunities. I feel like it brought, you know, we know that there was never anything wrong or unfair in these competitions. So, you know, it just lost opportunities. But regardless, we have opportunities ahead of us start, you know, next Saturday. And we just take focus on that and grateful for the path we're on. And I hope that the science and the sport continues to evolve,

and we are able to keep the sport as, you know, as clean as possible. That that's all of our goals. Definitely. I totally agree with you. You guys speak, and it's something that you often say as well, and I know you're obviously looking at the task in hand on Saturday, but after a win, normally, you know, you're straight back to the drawing border. What's next for John Jones? Providing you get to win on Saturday, you know, Israel has Sanis had a little bit of beef with John Jones,

and he's obviously, you know, the middleweight champion. Johns is obviously the light heavyweight champion, but two phenomenal strikers. Is that something John's having fun with, do you think, or is that something that you could see potentially happening down the line? Oh, I could definitely see that fight, lining up down the road. They're two, you know, stars in our game.

I think this will be a fight that fans will really want to see. As Israel has a few more title defenses, I think their paths could cross in the line. I saw Izzy say the other day that he's not worried about weight, and that he's fought at heavyweight in kickboxing before, and I love that attitude that he has, and who knows, maybe they'll be able to sell out a stadium one day for that bad. I would be excited to train for that one.

Who wouldn't, man, Jesus Christ. Imagine that in the stadium show. That would be insane. Listen to me, right? You know, the talk is going to go on about, you know, I think maybe if John wins this fight on Saturday, there's literally no one else in the light heavyweight division at the moment. I think in terms of, as you say, a marquee name for John to get really excited about,

a money fight as well, which obviously he deserves. Do you think this is possibly the last time we'll see John Jones at light heavyweight and he'll gradually make that move towards heavyweight this year? I think a move towards heavyweight will be inevitable. I think that is one of our bigger goals. but whether it's this year or next or 2022 I don't know I definitely think we'll see John fight at light heavyweight again

for sure for sure I mean this is a belt he's own for a decade and who knows where the path will take us but it's something that I know he holds a big deal what's John's mindset and what's your mindset when you see you know the likes of these the talk of him you know fighting DC again at heavyweight or Steve M. E. Oitchitch or, you know, French Cameroonian, Francis and Gano.

Is there an excitement there for John to go up and do that? Oh, absolutely. And we've been seeing John train with, you know, Hall of Fame championship caliber heavyweights for a long time, like Arlowski and Overeem, Travis Brown and Frank Mear. We've had so many greats at our gym. And so, you know, I've seen John firsthand demonstrate his skills against heavyweight fighters. I know he's very confident. As the challenges in light heavyweight continue to be resolved,

I think heavyweight is a logical next step. Brandon, I know you're a guy, you're very astute in what you do with your striking coaching, and I know you look on at fights quite a lot. There must be something in your mind that you'd like to see down the line. Is it, you know, Frances in Gano, Miotich at heavyweight? Is there anything that really sort of excite to you as a coach looking on at that? man, I think John matches up very well against so many of the heavyweights.

I would love to see, you know, the game plan we could develop for a power puncher like Stepe or a trilogy fight against D.C. at heavyweight or an ultimate powerhouse like Nagano. Man, there's so many possibilities that excite me. Just like Adasania. So it really is our goal to, you know, make sure that we take care of business with Dominic to create opportunities like that for ourselves in the future. sure. 100% man.

I haven't seen any of those fights just be unbelievable and I think we will hopefully down the line anyway but listen I got to ask you this one you know you get a lot of European fighters through the doors there training with you and Albuquerque

is there anyone you can you know you can point out the moment that we should be looking out for over here in Europe that's training with you or country the doors in the last year man I have um

fighter Manolo from Italy uh 145 or he's been fighting on some, you know, different regional shows here and there. I think he's fought in Bellator. But Manolo's ultra-talented kickboxer, surprisingly strong wrestler,

and he helped prepare in Pico a lot for this most recent victory. So, yeah, we have some good ones coming through. French fighter in the UFC Tebow-Gaultie. Yeah, I know T-Bow, yeah. He's been a gym staple. He's been doing really well becoming a part of our team. And, yeah, we always have some amazing. fighters coming in and out. You know, there's a young Irish fighter I trained. He's 17,

probably 18 now. It is like my most viewed video on Instagram. And this young man is ultra talented and I know he's going to do some big things. But I'm waiting to get him back in the gym. He's traveling around quite a bit, but he'll be an Irish superstar one day. Yeah, who's that? I probably know him. My brain is drawing a blank right now. He's like one of my favorite youngsters. You can't remember the Irish names. We'll let you off, Brandon.

No, no, no. I feel so embarrassed. I got it enough. No worries, man. I'm going to follow up with you on this. Sure, throw me a text later on. There's no stress. I feel embarrassed right now.

early here in the States. No worries, no worries. Listen, all right, ultimate prediction for the fight in Saturday. Are we going to see John get in there and show the world why he is potentially the greatest mixed martial artist of all time?

Yeah, absolutely. I think we have five rounds against a dangerous opponent, but we're going to really exploit this guy as the fight goes on. I think John has all the tools and all the areas to finish him, but that's what we're looking for.

as a finish. John's going to make a statement in this fight. Brilliant. I look forward to it. I'm super... And a lot. My plane, my synapse was fired. My young Irish protege, Dara O'Sullivan.

Oh, wow. Dara O'Sullivan. No, no, he's back home in Ireland. All right, okay. He's been turned to SBG a little bit with Owen Rowdy. He's a talented young kickboxer, but one of the best, like, teenage talent I've ever seen. So I'm embarrassed.

I drew a blank on that for a second, but... There you go. Yeah, I hope to see a young bar again. You redeemed yourself, Brandon. I'm embarrassed myself. Brandon, it's always a pleasure. I look forward to the fight on Saturday night, and I do appreciate your knowledge and your insight

and your time for stopping by on the show today. Good to speak to you, my friend. Always a pleasure, sir. Thank you. And now, that's all the interviews on our Eurobash extravaganza this week. fair play, Noel Extravaganza Yes, absolutely

Oh, do you want me to? Yeah, to your Moran. This is the The last interview. Morgan Chariere, Brandon Gibson Lyon,

Edwards Jaire Herbert Oh, fucky Yeah, no, good one, good one, man, yeah She said, oh,

what a girl from Rooney about 20 years ago, all right. We are going to ask me Unitedus, Bruno Fernandez. Yeah. Yes. What did you think of their transfer window?

The coronavirus has gifted you with another striker, I believe, because you can't play in China. Yeah. What's that guy's name? Odian Nagala. He's played for Watford. So he's top quality. And listen, right, you know, I didn't need numbers. Simple as that.

And I've talked about this in work quite a lot. It's just numbers. It's all about numbers. The board there, haven't bought the players. They haven't replaced what they got rid of last summer. I think they got rid of 11 last summer. He bought in three. So it's desperately, desperately. in need of numbers

and this guy he's real direct sort of striker so he'll nick a goal or two you know you're only as good the players you play with so interesting yeah

but I'm very much more excited about Bruno a lot of people told me that I didn't watch the match his debut he was played out of position and that wouldn't feel me confidence now

if I was still a big football yeah he was sort of playing on the right and on the inside holding midfield or aired number 10 yeah second half

he actually started playing in the holding midfield position but he just looks so good in the ball that I think he can put him anywhere he's one of those players you know technically good and um a real asset to manchester united football club i think going forward for the rest of this season after the winter break peter yeah like really good sign that they're drawing with wolves now the wolves are a really good side they aren't they're shite like united they're in the same position as they're in and they have half the points of the league league leaders at the moment yeah

so they're not a good side they're a good side they're a middle side like manchester you know at the moment. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, the Super Bowl, like, I mean, I'm kind of disappointed with myself. I, like, fell asleep at half time, just went home because I'm like, I, I, I, if all the things I should be able to shine on, it's like staying up late for sports events. And look, at the biggest stage, I fell, you know? Did you stay up and watch the whole thing?

Yeah, I didn't go out for it now. Stayed to stay at home and just bind it on me. It's the best way to do it. It's best to stay at home when it's on that fucking hour anyway, you know what I mean? She, I wasn't over to half before. Four o'clock, so. Yeah, and I watched it. I wouldn't, like, you know, I'd watch,

I've watched more American football this year probably than ever before. No, I do enjoy watching it. It's not the worst, but I wouldn't be a massive, you know. I only watch Super Bowl, then. I don't even know the player here and there or whatever, but Kansas is a very strong MMA community, so Kansas City in Missouri, so, uh, that'd be very happy.

Yeah, I actually taught your man, my homes played for the 49ers. So did I hate to start. I'm not going to lie. I did. That's a little fucking shit. I am at this. Yeah, it was good.

Garopolo. is the quarterback for the 49ers. Yeah, I just basically learned who the teams were by looking at people's jerse. There's loads of parties on in town. Like, Dublin goes mad for it now these days. There's a lot more stuff than there was 10 years ago. Yeah, I think it's just a night out for people.

Yeah, absolutely. We were saying that on the way and we're like, we're just doing this for points. It's just, you know what I mean? I was a half-tempted the guy last night when I fuck it. I better not like. But yeah, maybe next year. Maybe I'll be at the Super Bowl.

Maybe I'll be playing for one of the teams. It's a good point. Quarterback. I'd say it's good chance of half a lot. happening actually. Yeah, I'd say so as well. Yeah, so I mean, we're back, back with the MMA action this weekend. I'm actually kind of looking forward to an old John Jones fight and

Sheffchenko, I like an old double header. Yeah, it is. Like I'm interested by these fights. Like Justin Taffa and Juan Adams, I'm seeing two inexperienced heavyweights on the main card. That has the potential to stink the place out before those total fights. Apologies. It is the potential to fucking get it going the other way as well, man. Yeah, Taffa is a knockout artist.

Juan Adams is certainly a wrestler based on what I saw against him and Greg Hardy anyway. He's down to wrestle him. Interesting. I'm not going to lie you. I'm not buzzing for the card. And that's even after speaking with Coach Gibson. But it just... What card are you buzzing for anymore, though?

No, I am. I'm buzzing for a load of cards, man. I am like Tony and Habib. Like, you know, we're not going to get them every day, the weak fight in each other. Certainly not. But I just think at the moment, why John's just cleared out everyone that it's hard to, I just think the heavyweight things just needs to happen sooner rather than, later.

Yeah, no, I am intrigued. I think there's so many good options there, lucrative options there for the UFC and for John Jones. So, yeah, I think this could be the penultimate time at 205 before he goes heavyweight. I do imagine he will return to 205, even though he fights a heavyway because he makes the way fairly easily as far as it looks. But, yeah, that's all we have is. I think we might go and get myself a KFC or something.

You're hungry? Yeah, I'm starving. Lully there earlier was good. Did you go for the fruit? Luis. Did you go for the Freud rice or the boiled? No, I've fucking made it myself. So you can't make fried rice now?

Yeah, of course I can. I make it a wicked fried rice. No, no, I just do the boil one. You can't go fried rice. It's only Chinese curry you go fried rice. What fucking curry you're talking about? Are you? Okay, yeah, okay.

No, that's fair enough. That's a different thing. What kind of Indian curry? That's just like Indian texture. Like there was coconut. Like you don't put coconut. Sounds toy to me. No, you can put corolla as a big coconut area in India.

how many times we've been to India loads loads okay stop talking shite like fucking wrap the show that asked me with fucking what ingredients like curry okay

we're in a cookery fucking show next week lads I'd love to do a cookery show I would I'd love to do a food vlog we should do when we're in Vegas sometimes just go eat the fucking face off ourselves yeah too busy

when you're fucking Vegas we go for our food like that is true but um right look we're going we're talking shite we love his loads say thanks for all these

interviews. It was a lot of work. Thank you. Bye.