“It is hard work but needs must,” says the champ, adding, “Hopefully it will change soon.”
Having worked hard to compile a professional record of 10-2, undefeated in BAMMA, Sinclair is hoping that his third title defence will bring some of the rewards for all his efforts.
“After I won the belt at BAMMA 2 and then defended it by stopping Daniel Weichel, the number four ranked European lightweight I felt things were going well. But then my manager started finding it difficult to find me fights and opponents.”
After a frustrating wait, Sinclair is now lined up against Leonardo Santos on the main card of BAMMA 7 and he is more than looking forward to showcasing his heavy hands in the cage once again.
“At the end of the day, it is not the belt that is what is important. It is the opponents that I get to face and beat. Right now, I have the target on my back and people are picking me to fight and that is fine with me. I’m happy to take on the big names.”
Splitting his training between Kaobon in Liverpool and Predators Gym in Manchester, Sinclair is putting in the work, as well as the miles in his car, to get a full fight camp in.
“This is actually one of the first times I done and strength and conditioning work. Dave Bell at the Perform Centre is great so I should come into this fight better equipped than before.”
It can’t bode well for any of Sinclair’s opponents if before now he has been training on limited resources. A new and improved lightweight champ is a scary prospect. But, Rob is no fool when it comes to MMA.
“Santos is a great fighter. He’s been a black belt in BJJ longer than I’ve been training but if I hit him once he’ll become a brown belt; if I hit him again he’ll be a purple and then a blue. This is MMA, and anyway, I like to think I’ve got a black belt in submission defence,” says the lightweight with a laugh.
“Honestly, though, I’m going to be ready for anything. Santos has good striking – he showed that against [Jason] Ball – but I think I have the advantage on the feet.
“I only have to clip him; that’s all it takes. I’m confident in my hands. I don’t think anyone can hit as hard as me when it comes to ground and pound. I just need a little bit of space and usually it’s all over.
“He is a long and rangy fighter and he likes to put the jab out but I’m going to put the pressure on him. I respect him 100 percent but the way I look at it, I will beat him because I am the toughest,” explains Sinclair.
It is an indication of the champion’s mindset; all the pressure, all the hard work, comes down to this fight and, unfortunately, it is Santos who will bear the brunt of it.
“I did the same thing against Nathan Beer because I was annoyed. If he hits me, I hit him harder. I just went in there and proved I was the tougher fighter.
“I saw some weaknesses in his fight with Ball and I am going to pour it on. I know he’s dangerous but I am going to unleash my full potential that night.
“I’ve worked hard to build my reputation in the sport, however small it might be. If I lose this fight all of it will have been for nothing and I’m not going to let that happen.
“Every shot I throw is aimed to hurt. Every kick and punch is aimed to finish the fight,” says a determined Sinclair. “Obviously, if the submission is there, I’ll take it,” he adds with a laugh. “If I need to tickle him to death I’ll do it; anything to win.”
However, the champion’s humour is short lived, replaced by an iron will to win and the desire to retain the title and add another scalp to his collection.
“I’m definitely going for the knockout but I’m ready for 25 minutes. Punch for punch, I’ll prove I’m the toughest.”
BAMMA 7 at The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham is live on Syfy (UK), The Fight Network (Canada) and online worldwide at www.bamma.com on Saturday September 10th 2011. Tickets are available now from www.bamma.com and www.theticketfactory.co.uk
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