Welsh amateur fighter Alex Gill has already fought some of the toughest guys on the amateur scene. And this weekend, he puts it all on the line as he faces Ioan Harris for welterweight gold.
The two will act as the co-main event on what will be the seventh instalment of Cage Warriors Academy Wales. Arguably the country’s largest amateur promotion will go down this Saturday in Ebbw Vale.
Welsh MMA
Gill and Harris will both be chasing the vacant welterweight crown in front of a packed-out Ebbw Vale Sports Centre.
Gill comes into this with an experienced amateur record of 10-2 and a handful of finishes. Fighting out of Empire Martial Arts, he believes this title means more than simply that.
“I feel like this title is a right of passage for an up-and-coming Welsh fighter. I feel like this is the one to say – you’re the best that Wales has to offer.”
With fighters such as; Mason Jones, Oban Elliot, Scott Pedersen and plenty more of Wales’ top pros featuring on these cards in the past, you can see what he means.
Fighting Style
Originally thought of as more of a jiu-jitsu specialist, Gill is ready to show he can do it on the feet too. “I’ve been scrapping stand-up fighters lately, so to get matched with a grappler is is interesting.
“But, I know there’s no one on the amateur circuit who’s better on top than me, so let’s go!”
On his opponent, the Welshman expects a tough fight but expects to walk away with the finish. “I’m an MMA fighter, not a BJJ dork.
“I’m here to finish guys and if I see that I have the advantage in the grappling, then we’ll go there. But, if I see the chance to take your chin home, it will be on my mantle by the end of the night. I need that strap.”
Double Champ Status
This won’t be his first sight at gold either, having won the Golden Ticket lightweight title last year. “Already having the Golden Ticket title, to add this would be brilliant.
“I feel like these two promotions are at the top of the food chain when it comes to the amateur scene in the UK and to be champ in both solidifies my legacy. I’ll be a day before lightweight champ and a same-day welterweight champ.”
Alex Gill takes on Ioan Harris this Saturday in Ebbw Vale. Stay tuned for all the stories from the event.
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Featured image credits to Cage Warriors Academy Wales