Garon Shemar makes his highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts competition this Saturday at Badmofo 5 after undergoing a year out on the sidelines.
Despite being on ‘sidelines’, Garon has been in the gym working on himself and the holes in his game, and now finally feel ready to put his newly accredited skills to the test.
The Lion’s Gym MMA fighter is set to face Jack Atherton for the amateur bantamweight title this Saturday in Barnsley. We had the opportunity of talking with Garon Shemar ahead of fight night. Check out the full exclusive below.
Interview With Garon Shemar
You are days out from returning to MMA competition after over a year away. How are the excitement levels of preparing for a fight once again, and what have you missed the most about it?
It’s been a while since I’ve competed, so it’s definitely been very exciting training and getting ready for a fight again, especially against a tough opponent like Jack. As for what I have missed about preparing for a fight, are a bunch of things, the gradual build-up of nerves, excitement, fear, confidence, all of it, to be honest.
Was there any reason in particular for taking a year away?
My last fight did not go my way at all. I got taken down and dominated for the entirety of the fight, which exposed a big hole in my arsenal. I took a year out to work on my weaknesses and become a better martial artist.
A year out isn’t exactly a bad thing if you’ve still been in the gym, adding to your arsenal day by day. What new tools and tricks can your supporters expect to see from you on Saturday night? Is there any area of your game you feel you’ve developed more than others since the last time we saw you?
After taking a year out to improve on my game, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what aspect of MMA I have been trying to improve on, so everyone should expect to see a more well-rounded and intelligent fighter stepping into the cage on Saturday night.
Garon Shemar on Finding Mixed Martial Arts
I like to ask those I’ve never spoken with before how they found mixed martial arts and their earliest memory of the sports. Can you recall your journey into MMA?
So I started with Karate as a kid and was always interested in starting MMA, but I steered more towards sports like football and basketball during my school years. As soon as I left school, I tried out a bunch of mediocre MMA gyms until I found lions gym, and I haven’t looked back since.
Saturday night at the Barnsley Metrodome, you collide with Jack Atherton. How do you view this bout from a stylistic standpoint and, overall, Jack as an opponent?
Considering the improvements I have made since my last bout, stylistically, I think this is a favourable match-up for me. Having that in mind, I know Jack is a very well-rounded and dangerous on the ground and on the feet, so I’m by no means taking him lightly.
Looking back at Jack’s previous fights, where are the keys to victory? What do you need to do in yourself in order to leave Barnsley the winner?
Just staying focused and composed for the entirety of the fight, not getting overzealous when things go my way, and not panicking if things aren’t. It’s a five-rounder, so I have more than enough time to work and find a finish.
Amateur Bouts
All your amateur bouts have taken place under Golden Ticket Fight Promotions. Are you looking forward to competing on a new show, or is it all the same to you?
I’m looking forward to competing on a new show, but I don’t think it’s going to be much different in terms of how I feel on the day etc.
You win on Saturday night and leave the venue uninjured. When can we expect to see you again if you’re looking to make up for lost time?
I’m matched for June 3rd on golden ticket fight promotions, so hopefully, I can fight sometime in September after that and then get one more fight in before the end of the year.
Before you step inside the cage on April 15th, do you have any last words for Jack? The floor is yours.
I don’t really have a lot to say to be honest, apart from good luck and may the best man win.
To close out, tell me about the guys at Lion’s Gym MMA and how much they’ve shaped you into the better fighter you are today.
I’m very grateful and fortunate to have the teammates and coaches I have at lions gym. I started training at lions gym with no competitive experience and not a lot of martial arts experience in general. I am 100% a product of my coaches and teammates. I’m looking forward to doing them proudly on Saturday.
Featured image credits to Daron Shemar
