Cheikh Mane is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday at Golden Ticket Fight Promotions 22 in Wolverhampton.
Like every GTFP event, fans can expect a stellar show with some of the best up-and-coming fighters in the United Kingdom. The event will take place at the K.K Steelmill, and tickets can still be purchased via the promotions website.
Mane looks to pick up the second win of 2023, and move to 3-1 when he faces of with Aron Franz in the GTFP cage. Prior to the fight, we had the chance to speak with the Senegal born athlete.
Hear what Cheikh Mane had to say below.
Interview With Cheikh Mane
Cheikh, it’s fight week, and this will be your fourth walk to the cage in your amateur career. Are you comfortable with the process of preparing, fighting week and making the walk at this stage? Does it feel natural?
Yes, of course, I am. I train for this every day. This my dream, im excited to get back in.
Last year saw you make your debut with a fantastic R1 victory to kickstart your journey in martial arts. You then suffered your first defeat. Can you sum up how you feel about your 2022 in competition?
2022 has passed. Let’s forget what happened there im focused on the present and future.
You started 2023 with a bang and stopped your opponent in April in the third round to find yourself back to winning ways. Having had a short time to digest that performance. Were you totally satisfied with your performance?
Yes, I was happy with my performance to get the choke in the third and dominating the rest of the fight was a good experience for me.
Cheikh Mane on Journey Into MMA
For the readers who may not know you yet, can you give us a brief bit about your background and your journey into MMA?
I was born in Senegal and was raised doing Senegal wrestling which is our national sport. When I came to England, I only really knew about boxing. I trained for about two weeks, and after some circumstances, I heard about MMA and thought that I would be better suited.
You will face Aron Franz at the K.K Steelmill in Wolverhampton. How do you feel about this fight, and what do you expect him to bring to the table come fight?
I’m always confident in myself. My coach Paul Kelly has said that this is my biggest test so far. Aaron hasn’t been finished in his fights, so my goal is to come in and give him his first finish loss in the first, second or third I plan to get the win.
Aron is coming off two back-to-back wins and has begun building some real momentum. Where do you feel some of his strengths lie, and perhaps weaknesses?
I have watched all the tapes I can of Aaron and me, and my team have a special plan for him. He is a good fighter and has strengths, and we expect him to put up a good fight. His main weakness is me, and I’ll show this on Saturday.
Finally, can you leave us with any last words for your opponent and your official fight prediction for GTFP 22?
My final words for everyone are to remember that it’s hard to beat a guy who’s decided he’s going to win and dreams too big for these fighters to stop me inshallah.
