Daniel SkibińSki is entering his Cage Warriors 135 clash with Justin Burlinson filled with confidence, and rightly so, after getting some high-level training at Sanderford MMA in Florida.
Daniel SkibińSki takes the main event slot this Friday, also while making his debut under the Cage Warriors banner.
We had the opportunity to catch up with SkibińSki to get his thoughts ahead of Friday’s showdown.
Interview With Daniel Skibiński
One week out from your Cage Warriors debut in a packed-out BEC Arena on April 1st. How does it feel not only to be making your debut but to also be headlining an event filled with talent? Does it speak volumes about what the promotion thinks of you?
I feel great. I am very excited about my Cage Warriors debut. The fact that it will be the main event of the evening motivates me even more. Yes, I also believe that promotion sees in this fight the future of the organization.
I see you’ve spent some time at Sanderford MMA, training with that shark tank of talent they have in Florida? Has your whole camp taken place there, and what made you make that sacrifice to go outside of your comfort zone?
Yes, that’s true. It was a truly an amazing experience for me. There were moments when I was really exhausted, but I was always finishing the training sessions with a smile on my face. I think that the key to development is looking for new challenges, and I want to fight and train with the best fighters in the world. I spent the rest of the preparations at my local gym Anko’s MMA, in Poland. Ready is an understatement.
What impact do you feel training with names like Ian Garry, Gilbert Burns, and the rest of the killers has made on your career and your preparations ahead of April 1st?
This was amazing! They have shared with me their knowledge, experience and helped me out with becoming a better fighter. They made me realize that what I’m doing is right. Now I know that I am on the right track and that I can compete with anyone who is willing to enter the octagon with me.
You’ve been around the game a long time, making your professional debut in 2013. What keeps you continuing to pursue this sport? Is it the love for the fight game, chasing greatness or a mixture of both?
I have been in sports since I was a child. Blood, sweat and tears have created this guy. I love the game, and I can’t imagine having a different carrier path. Developing and getting better every day keeps pushing me forward.
For Cage Warriors fans who perhaps haven’t watched you fight before. Sell it to us. What can we all expect from Daniel Skibiński when he steps in there next Friday?
I am a versatile fighter with a massive bag of experience that I accumulated over the years. I am as tough as old boots, and I always fight to the end. That is why fans won’t be disappointed, and I will give them the best show ever.
You have the experience side in your favour by a large margin when you square off against Justin Burlinson. His last fight was on Dana White’s Contender series, which shows he is a talented individual. From your point of view, how do you compare his skill-set to your own?
He is a very good and talented fighter. He is skilful and has all of the characteristics of a good warrior. I am glad that we will face each other on Friday. Of course, I shall prove to him that being good is not enough once you decide to go to war.
When studying your opponent’s game, as I assume you and your team have done. Where do you think Justins’ strengths lie, as well as weaknesses? What’s he good at, and maybe not so good at?
Yes, I always study my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and then prepare my game plan. Research can be a massive part of one’s success while preparing for a fight. I want to place some focus on my boxing skills, pressure, reach, creativity, good cardio, and work on the ground. The rest I want to keep to myself, but… after the fight, we can chat about that.
April 1st, you pick up a huge debut main event win. What do you want next in the pipeline? Are you looking for an active 2022?
I would like to fight three times this year and become the champion of the Cage Warriors organization.
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Featured image credits to Daniel SkibińSki
