Aaron Givens looks to attain Almighty FC gold this Saturday and become the third man from ACE MMA to do so. The gym’s recent success under Almighty doesn’t go unnoticed, and Givens is confident in adding to the growing collection.
Givens poses an amateur record of (10-3), with two of those victories occurring on Almighty. The show has proven in the past to be good to the featherweight fighter, but a formidable undefeated champion in George Staines stands in his way.
The two will clash for gold this Saturday at Almighty Fighting Championship 25 in what promises to be an event worth attending. The Metrodome in Barnsley will host the action, as it has for the promotion once already this year.
We were lucky enough to speak with the challenger Aaron Givens ahead of his title fight. Read the full exclusive below.
Interview With Aaron Givens
Fight night is upon us. How’s the body and mind ahead of your amateur title fight with George Staines?
I’m feeling great! This is the best I’ve ever felt, and I’m ready to put on my best performance yet on Saturday night.
We saw you in action just one month ago, losing a split decision to Oliver Tero. What were your thoughts on how the last fight unfolded?
It was an exciting fight that I thought I might’ve just edged but unfortunately didn’t go my way. It was a good fight for me to experience my first round fight, an experience that will play a big part in me winning this fight against George on Saturday.
When belts are up for grabs, does that give you any more motivation to get those extra miles in preparation? I can imagine it does give you much more fuel and hunger?
It is exciting fighting for titles, but I wouldn’t say it gives me “much” more motivation. I’m motivated in every fight to go in there, perform to my best and leave as the winner/with the belt.
Where do you feel the path to victory is against George Staines?
That will all be revealed on Saturday night. Just be ready for my hand to be raised and the belt wrapped around my waist.
For those I haven’t spoken with before, I like to ask them how they got started in MMA? What was it that roped you in and kept you doing it to this day?
When I was younger, my brother started training at FightingFit (now ACEMMA). One night he was watching his coach Shaj fight on Cage Warriors, and I watched it with him. It was a striking clinic from Shaj and really gave me the buzz to get into MMA and learn from him. It’s coming up eight years since I joined the team, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
Your record speaks for itself, being one of the country’s most experienced amateurs. How would you describe the amateur career you’ve had thus far, dating back to 2016?
My amateur so far has been amazing. As I’ve said before, this is all a learning process, and I feel like I’m learning more and more about myself and my skills every single fight.
With that being said, the pro-ranks must be on your mind. When can we expect to see you make that leap?
As I’ve said in multiple interviews, turning pro is definitely in the near future, but for now, I’m just going to keep fighting, keep learning and turn pro when my coaches and I think the time is right.
For those who haven’t watched you compete before? Sell it to those who will be attending. Why should they make sure to stay seated?
Most of my fights are on YouTube. Go watch them. My fights speak for themselves, and this fight is the main event for a reason. People will not be able to take their eyes off this fight.
What would it mean to you to walk away with the belt on Saturday night?
It will mean so much to me and my team. It will be a visual representation of how hard we have worked, as well as being the 3rd ALMIGHTY title to be on the ACE MMA wall. The ACE takeover is real.
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Featured image credits to Aaron Givens
