SPOTLIGHT ON THE POSTER BOY

Aundre Jacobs catches up with Jimi Manuwa

There are a number of fighters in the UK MMA scene who are highly touted, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone as hyped as UCMMA Light-Heavyweight Champion, Jimi Manuwa. Boasting a 9-0 record is one thing, but the fact that he has finished all of his opponents makes him one of the most dangerous prospects in UK Mixed Martial Arts.

On 22nd October 2011, Manuwa will face Nick “Headhunter” Chapman; a man he feels is a “boring fighter”.

“He uses his strength to get you down to the ground, and to try and submit you, but that’s about it. He’s just a strong guy.” said Manuwa.

Originally, the two were set to fight on the September card, but due to Chapman being injured the fight was scrapped. However, this hasn’t stopped Manuwa from training diligently throughout the each camp. Bringing in the likes of Dillian Whyte to help progress his kickboxing and continuing his training at Nova Forca in Epsom and Keddles Gym in Orpington.

Due to injury, Manuwa has been out of action for fourteen months, but the champ insists that the drive is still there.

“It’s been difficult, being injured for such a long time. However, I’m still hungry to fight. Being away for so long has made me hungry to get in the cage.” explained the champion.

Although a man who is known for destroying opponents in the cage, Manuwa is soft-spoken and yet forthright.

“I don’t have anything to say about him. I’ll let my hands do the talking on Saturday night.” said Manuwa, regarding any potential trash talk between the two.

Manuwa has proven time and time again that he is the real deal and if he beats Chapman on Saturday night and goes 10-0 in his career, the sky is surely the limit for arguably Europe’s best Light-Heavyweight fighter.

Supplied by HALO MMA