Dion Dawson is all set for his second amateur outing this Saturday at Badmofo 5 in Barnsley, England.
Dawson will make the walk closer to home as opposed to his debut win over Blake Massey at Golden Ticket Fight Promotions 21. The Englishman expressed his gratitude towards his travelling support and teased a loud crowd shouting his name on Saturday night.
We had the pleasure of talking to Dion Dawson prior to fight night. Check out the full exclusive interview below.
Interview With Dion Dawson
A few days out from fight night and the second outing of your amateur career. That said, how are you dealing with the nerves and emotions that come with it as opposed to your first time?
This time around, I feel much more confident in myself as I know what needs to be done, and I’ve experienced it before. I’m feeling fit and injury free leading up to the fight. I’ve had a good camp, and I’m excited to show what I have been working on.
You made your debut on Golden Ticket Fight Promotions last year with a victory over Blake Massey. Can you summarise the experience of making your debut, and was it everything you expected? Was there anything that caught you by surprise?
My debut was everything I thought it would be. I got a valuable three rounds in the bank and got the finish that I wanted. I’ve never felt anything like it before. The experience, on the whole, was amazing from start to finish, and on the 15th of April, I’m coming to try to recreate that moment.
I like to ask those I’ve yet to talk to on their journey into MMA. What made you make the decision to walk through the gym doors for the first time? Can you remember your earliest memory of MMA?
From as early as I can remember, my Dad was really into boxing and mma competing himself, so I had grown up with the sport around me, learning the odd thing here and there when I was younger. I was 15 when my Dad took me to my first mma class under coach Ian Jones. From then, I knew that I wanted to see how far I could go in the sport.
Dawson Talks Tom Bennet
Tom Bennet is the man standing across the cage from you. Considering he’s making his debut, I assume preparation has been a case of focusing on your own game and tools as opposed to concentrating on Tom.
The frequent changes of opponents mean that I have just decided to concentrate on myself and make sure that I am prepared for any situation in the fight and make sure all areas are covered. I feel that my team and I have done that throughout camp, and I am ready for Saturday.
You’re, off-course, at the start of your MMA journey with a potentially long and windy road ahead. But have you mapped out some short- and long-term goals? If so, what are those?
This year I want to stay as active as I can and keep improving every day. Most importantly, I want to keep enjoying the sport and see where it takes me. Also, I have plans to compete in numerous grappling competitions this year to gain more experience in competing.
The Travelling Support
What can your supporters expect from you on Saturday in Barnsley?
In Barnsley, you can expect a loud crowd shouting my name. I have amazing support from my friends and family. Last time out, my support was massive, and they made a 2-hour drive down. This time, closer to home, it should be double the size and noise.
Finally, any last words for your opponent before you step in there or anyone you’d like to thank?
Finally, I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who bought tickets and is watching it live. My coaches and the lads through at Marc Diakiese HD Performance Centre, also BMF and Conner Halliday, for finding me a match on short notice.
Featured image credits to Dion Dawson
