Amateur middleweight Emile Vujakovic assured those who will be in attendance at Full Contact Contenders 28 that they are guaranteed their value for money in his middleweight title fight with Joe Ambler.
The Bolton Arena will be the home for Full Contact Contender on March 5th, and Emile Vujakovic will be motivated to retain his belt and make it six back-to-back wins on the bounce. Emile Vujakovic has been out of action since 2020 when he secured a unanimous decision victory over Jordan O’Neill.
Fans will have the opportunity to indulge in a handful of professional and amateur contests from the country’s rising talent.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Vujakovic before he returns to action to get his thoughts on his middleweight title fight.
Interview With Emile Vujakovic
Firstly, I hope you’re well, Emile. It’s been some time since we’ve seen you compete inside the Octagon. How have things been in your time away from competition?
I’m very good, thank you, mate! It’s been just over two years since I’ve been in there & it’s felt like a lifetime. Life has been good, though. I’ve made use of my time.. repairing/recovering from injuries & opening up a gym in lockdown.
Has there been any particular reason for the time away from competing? Did you take a break completely in training, or have you still been in the gym sharpening your toolbox?
I never take a break from training. I think I’d go insane if I did. Initially, my time off came at the cause of Covid, very quickly followed by a health issue that resulted in a long break from the sport. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 & had to undergo treatment at the Christie Hospice. Even throughout the treatment, I still never missed one day of training & Along with working on the start-up of the new gym, it’s what kept me going through the whole ordeal. Post Christie treatment, while I was letting my body heal, I saw an opportunity to have surgery on my knee (which id needed for a few years). This is all done and dusted now! I truly feel like I’ve got a clear body and mind going into this fight.
Emile Vukajovic Talks Defending His Title
Were you surprised that you were offered the title fight with the time off? Was there any concern due to your opponent Joe Ambler’s recent activity and success?
I wasn’t surprised that I was offered this title fight as it’s my title to fight for. I had a break at the end of 2019 due to my knee injury. Then I had to fight for the vacant title again in 2020 on my return. I won that fight convincingly & now it’s mine until I vacate or I’m beaten fighting for it. Joe is a very good fighter, he’s been very active, and he’s undefeated, so you can’t deny this is a tough test for anyone at our level.
People I haven’t spoken with before, I like to ask them about their journey into the sport and how they got started. Do you have any interesting stories in that aspect?
We’ll I wouldn’t say it’s super interesting, but I kind of got into MMA by accident. I’ve always liked fighting and had been a spectator for years. My family are big into Muay Thai & that is what I had grown around.
I originally went down to a martial arts gym before an upcoming holiday to get rid of somebody fat with a bit of pad work. After attending a few sessions, There was a timetable change, and I ended up at a BJJ class (where I got twisted up bad). I was hooked and wanted to learn it all from there as I was only used to striking before that. It all came from there, really. Step by step, everything snowballed.
Vukajovic Talks Jope Ambler
What do you know about your opponent Joe Ambler, if anything? Were you aware of him before the fight announcement was made? How do you view him as an opponent?
I know Joe is a worthy opponent. I’m glad I’ve got a tough challenge for my first fight back, he’s a very good test for me & I like the style he brings. I was aware of him. Yes, I’m aware of all the middleweights around me.. Ammy & Pro. I’m excited for this one. It’s going to be a good fight.
Have you watched any tape on Amber’s previous fights to identify strengths and weaknesses? If so, is there anything you think he does well, and perhaps not so well?
I’ve watched him, yes, but I don’t read too much into his do’s and don’t. I’m a different opponent than he’s faced, so it’s not the same fight & im sure he’s levelled up since the fights I’ve seen. When you’re at the top of the ammy level, I think you bring the best out in each other. That’s what is going to happen on Saturday night.
What Can Fans Expect?
Why should fans tune in to FCC on March 5th to watch this unfold? What can they expect to see?
People should be tuning in to watch me & Joe have a tear up on Saturday because we both come to fight. I always turn up on the night & this weekend will be no different. I always give the viewers their value for money, no matter the result. Let’s go, big Joe.
If you walk away with the victory and become the new middleweight FCC champion, that kicks off the year very well. What is the remainder of the year looking like for you? Do you hope to stay active and make up for lost time?
When I get my hand raised on Saturday, I’ll be having a nice week off. Then it’s back in the gym & helping the other lads prepare for their upcoming fights. But yes, I want to be very active this year. I’ve had one fight since March 2019, which is way too long for me, so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. You’ll be seeing a lot of me, hopefully, mate.
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Featured image credits to FCC
