GTFP 19 is building in stature as each day passes. The fight promotion announced a date, the 4th of June, and went to work putting together a brilliant card. They made history in announcing the first woman’s main event in regional U.K. MMA in the last decade, Melissa Dixon taking on Mafalda Carmona. The most recent announcement is the amateur lightweight bout between Thomas Owen and Oskar Lang, a fight between two excellent prospects training out of top-tier gyms. Outside of amateur title fights, this is potentially the most exciting amateur bout booked for the summer.
What You Need to Know: Thomas Owen
Thomas Owen is 5-1 and went undefeated for the first five fights of his career. He trains out of the revered Hardy-Wallhead gym, run by former UFC star Dan Hardy and current Cage Warriors competitor, international MMA juggernaut Jim Wallhead. The rising Englishman is surrounded by talent and experience on the mats, being a member of the Roughhouse team, and it shows in his performances.
Thomas Owen’s fighting CV is a testament to how versatile and well-rounded the fighter is. The British prospect has finished two fights by TKO/KO, one by decision and won his debut via triangle choke. He put his undefeated record on his last outing against Shay Ingram’s equally flawless record and came just shy of going 6-0 and winning the championship belt. He lost on a decision, although he looked particularly dangerous early-on landing some heavy shots. Combat Sports U.K. contacted Thomas Owens for a comment about his next fight.
“I’m just focusing on me. I learned lessons from my defeat. I’ve jumped straight back on the horse, gathering all the experience I can. It’s a good fight against a good opponent and I’m motivated to get back in the win column.”
Thomas Owen speaking about his next bout
What You Need to Know: Oskar Lang
Oskar Lang began his amateur career going 4-2 and has fought primarily outside of the UK. The Danish fighter has spent the majority of his young career competing on home turf, making a name for himself on the local MMA scene. He became known for getting into gruelling back-and-forth striking wars, using his straight punches and movement to great effect. This approach was put on display in his last bout, where he traded shots with his opponent and looked as though he was ahead on the scorecards until he got caught in an anaconda choke and was submitted. However, the marauding Dane is ready to extend his reach and plug into the hot-to-touch MMA circuit in Britain. Combat Sports UK asked Oskar Lang how he was preparing
“I train two times a day, on most days, at my club Arte Suave. This is so I am always competition ready. I would therefore say that my focus, primarily, is on cutting weight. “
Oskar Lang when asked about fight preparation.
The gym that Oskar trains at is well-known and no stranger to the English MMA circuit. Many of their competing athletes are taking part in GTFP events themselves, and now GTFP 19. In addition to this, the Head Coach Nikolai Koubti is a titan of industry in Denmark, has had a respectable career as a fighter and, arguably, an even more successful run as a coach. Therefore Oskar Lang is well situated and has no shortage of elite training partners. Combat Sports U.K. asked Oskar Lang what he was hoping to show in the octagon and how he felt.
“I look forward to showing that I’m an all-around fighter. Owen is a strong fighter standing, so I’m looking forward to showing off my striking. However, I have been practicing more Jiu-jitsu so I am ready to take it to the ground. I would say that I do have a winners mentality, but more importantly I’m just looking forward to the challenge and the fight.”
Oskar Lang when asked on what he hopes to show in the Octagon.
Head Coaches Have a Say
As a result of the excitement for this bout, the CSUK team reached out to both fighter’s Head Coaches. As mentioned above, Thomas Owen is under the tutelage of Jim Wallhead, a veteran of over 40 pro fights spanning the sport’s top promotions. Here’s what Jim Wallhead had to say:
“Tom’s on it, he’s focused on coming back with a bang. It’s a very tough opponent but I’m confident in Tom’s ability and work ethic, hoping for a successful evening.”
Jim Wallhead speaking about Thomas Owen’s preparation for his next bout.
The opposite corner will have Nikolai Koubti watching on keenly and shouting instructions. As a result of the pandemic it will be the Danish team’s first-time back competing in England. Speaking to Nikolai Koubti, here is what he had to say about Oskar Lang.
” It’s a tough but good test for Oskar. I want Oskar to be himself, for amateurs I don’t set much of a game plan because I want them to test different things, trust their own game and get some experience. Oskar is good all-round and is a tough amateur so he can take the fight anywhere.”
Nikolai Koubti speaking about Oskar Lang’s preparation for his next bout
Don’t Miss Out on GTFP 19
On the 4th of June, at KK’s Steel Mill, fans will be treated to an MMA spectacle. Golden Ticket Fight Promotions is working tirelessly to put together another great event, and judging by the talent on display, it is effort well-spent. Make sure to grab yourself a ticket to the GTFP 19 event, and keep an eye on Combat Sports UK for more fight announcements and event coverage.
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Featured Image credits to Golden Ticket Fight Promotions
