Almighty FC 22 went down at the Rainton Arena in Houghton le Spring on January 22nd. The fight card sure delivered for those in attendance and set the bar for the remaining eleven scheduled shows.
The show featured some of the countries most exciting young talent, as well as the more experienced pro’s who aimed to take the next step in their career.
One man who made his mark on the show, and secured himself a finish of the night bonus was Dylan Cuthbert. Cuthbert made his amateur MMA debut and definitely stepped up to the task. The Force Fitness Ayr fighter finished his opponent in the first-round after facing some early adversity.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Dylan Cuthbert after a very memorable debut.
Interview with Dylan Cuthbert
One week-post fight after an incredible amateur MMA debut. How are the emotions a week later? Are you still on a high, or has it settled now?
Dylan Cuthbert – “The emotions have settled a bit, but each time I get someone congratulating or talking to me about the fight, I get that feeling inside as if it happened yesterday. Which is a great feeling.”
Truthfully, when you anticipated the fight leading up to Almighty FC 22. Could you have imagined it going any better than it did?
Dylan Cuthbert – “I honestly never imagined it going that well and ending that early. Although the whole fight camp I had in my head that I wanted to finish my opponent in the first round. I still didn’t think it would happen.”
You both wasted no time in throwing down straight from the opening bell. But, at that moment when you both hit the canvas, can you remember what was going through your head?
Dylan Cuthbert – “From the moment I hit the canvas, I remember seeing a flash of colour from the punch that landed on me. Although I wasn’t dazed at all, as soon as I got up, I saw his hand drop and thought it was now or never. I went in with the cross intending to knock him out, and it worked.”
After you both landed clean strikes on each other, it would have been easy to get reckless and panic, with it being your debut, after all. What do you put that down to being so composed and getting the finish yourself?
Dylan Cuthbert – “I generally am a calm and composed person overall in life. I know how not to get ahead of myself, but yeah, when it’s in the cage, it’s still easy to just rush in and get sloppy. However, with the help of my brother/coach, I’ve learned to be extra calm and not let anything like getting dropped get to my head and just shrug it off.”
It was announced today that you snatched the performance bonus and deservedly so. What does it mean to you to have earned that in your amateur debut, as I imagine that money can go a long way for somebody starting their career?
Dylan Cuthbert – “It was amazing finding out that I got the bonus. Especially with so many other amazing performances on the same card. I’m so grateful to have won it.”
Force Fitness is beginning to make their mark on the MMA scene with you guys going (2-0) on the night. As well as Danny Naismith being the current Almighty FC champion. What’s the reasoning behind the gym’s latest success?
Dylan Cuthbert – “I would have to say the coaches are the best and go out their way to help us so much. Also, just the tough mindset everyone has in the gym.”
After a win like that with not much damage absorbed. When are you looking to get back in there?
Dylan Cuthbert – “February 19th, I’ll be back in the cage with a tougher opponent. So I’m excited to see what the challenge brings me.”
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Featured Image credits to DN4 Photography
