England’s Jack Eglin is relishing the opportunity to take the next step of his career as he prepares to make his Cage Warriors debut this Saturday at the BEC Arena in Manchester.
As expected, Eglin is coming into his contest full of confidence and rightly so after kicking his professional career off with a bang. We caught up with the Dragons Iair MMA fighter ahead of his debut with the promotion.
Interview With Jack Eglin
One week out from your Cage Warriors debut. Many feel it’s a monumental stage in their career. Do you have that same belief, or are you in the mindset of it being just another fight?
It’s a big step up for me in my career, but I’m ready for it. I’m taking it like every fight, and I’m ready.
Talk to me about the upcoming fight with Luke Riley. You both have a mirrored record of one another. How long have you prepared for this fight? And how do you feel about the matchup from a stylistic standpoint?
I found out about the fight a couple of weeks ago. However, I have been prepping for this since the new year. I knew I would be fighting end of March start of April. I’ve been prepping since the new year. Stylistically he’s a good match up for me! He’s a striker, and I know I’m the best striker in the division and I’m going show that Saturday.
Your only two fights into your professional career, but you accumulated a beneficial amateur career against some notable names. How important and valuable has that previous experience been for your current success at the early stages of your pro-career?
It’s been very important and has helped me grow into the fighter I’m becoming.
Looking at your social media, you’ve been getting some work in with Jake Hadley and some guidance, perhaps from Leon Edwards. Considering Leon’s stature in the sport currently and watching Jake’s rise, how motivating is that to be around guys like them? What do you take away from that?
Yeah, it’s been class. You can only grow and learn when you’re around people like that! And it’s been proper motivating other people’s success only drives me, especially when it’s people you know and like.
Your opponent on the night comes from a talented gym, and it shows with his amateur and professional record thus far? Have you been aware of Luke on the scene, and do you believe this is your toughest test to date? If so, why?
Yeah, since I signed with Cage Warriors, I was well aware of him. Still, as amateur and stuff, I had no clue who he was, to be honest. I don’t think stylistically he is, but I’m treating and taking him as he is. He’s a good fighter and has dangers, but he’s not the toughest guy I fought style-wise.
What are your thoughts on your opponent’s game, and where do you feel the key areas will come away with the win on April 2nd? Are there any holes you can identify that you feel you can capitalise on?
As I said, he’s a good fighter, but I feel I’m better than him everywhere, and I will find the openings. When I do, I’m going to capitalise on everything.
In your dream scenario, you come away with a statement win over a tough opponent. What sort of position do you feel puts you in for the rest of the year? Have you signed a multi-fight contract with CW? Can we expect to see you here again?
I think it leaves me in a very good position. He’s a known name and notable guy to beat, so he will definitely help push me up the rankings, which is my plan this year!! And yeah, I’ve got a multi-fight deal, so you’ll see me back a couple of times this year.
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Featured image credits to Jack Eglin
