AVT MMA fighter Robbie Kennedy has assured those tuning into Almighty Fighting Championship 23 this coming weekend that it’s “do or die” in his co-main event contest with Rhino Daley.
Fighters from across the country will make their way to Barnsley as the Metrodome will host an exciting night of amateur and professional action this Saturday. Headlining the event is hot prospect Callum Mullen and power-puncher Nicolae Pirogan, who battle it out for the pro-featherweight title.
The co-main event sees Robbie Kennedy meet Rhino Daley in the hope of kickstarting his 2022 with a victory. Before the professional action, those in attendance will be warmed up with a truck-load of amateur contest’s, including two title fights.
I had the pleasure of speaking with one half of the co-main event in Robbie Kennedy to get his thoughts on his upcoming matchup at Almighty FC 23.
Interview with Robbie Kennedy
Almighty FC 23 is just around the corner, and you take the co-main event slot on the night. Talk to me. How are you feeling ahead of your first outing of 2022?
I’m very hyped to be on the co-main event slot. It just shows how much anticipation is in this fight! I’m feeling really fit and strong ahead for my first war of 2022.
I like to ask people I have yet to speak with on the scene. Can you give me a bit of background on yourself and tell me why MMA was a path you decided to go down?
Well, I started kickboxing after my daughter was born. Funnily enough, I wanted to protect her and thought to train myself in something. After a while, I started crossing over in kickboxing and competed in some boxing bouts and then eventually went to my first MMA class in 2018 and fell in love with it. I’ve always been a fan of MMA back in the early days of cable TV and could watch it on the Bravo channel.
The Transition to the Pro-ranks
Last year saw you turn to the professional ranks and have a fairly busy year, with four contests, one being an exhibition. How do you feel the transition has gone for you from amateur to pro. Also, how would you assess the year you had?
Last year went quite quickly, and so have the previous 2/3 years due to covid.. Regardless I feel I made good progress but maybe rushed a few things reflecting back on my last 2 MMA losses. I rushed in on both occasions and got caught.
Things happen quickly, and I guess I’m trying to keep up and get better in all aspects of MMA. This next fight will still be my 9th MMA fight as I only had five amateurs. I’m confident in my skills and enjoy doing more in professional training and fighting.
After making quick work of Ben Schneider at Caged Steel 25, you dropped your next two fights. I presume you have watched those back several times since they occurred. What do you feel went wrong in those fights, and what lessons did you take from them?
As mentioned previously, I rushed the last two opponents I had. Rather than using my time and fight IQ correctly, I got caught up in the heat of the moment, and I guess that’s still part of the game learning on the job.
Was there any regret in taking the fight with Mustafa so quickly after taking your first loss as a professional, or was it just a case of being hungry to get back in there and right the wrong?
It was a case of being hungry and getting back in there, and even after taking the loss, I took no damage really in the loss against Simeon. He caught me with a quick RNC and credit to him. Mustafa caught me after I had rocked and stunned him, so I know I can finish my opponents also just have to be patient.
Will Kennedy Make the Correct Adjustments?
What adjustments do you feel you’ve had to make to ensure you come out on top against Rhino Daley at Almighty FC 23?
I’ve worked on all aspects of my MMA game to make sure I get the win. I know people know me for my striking, and that will only get better, as will my whole MMA game.
By looking at your social media, I have seen you’ve been working with an S & C coach for this camp and taking extra sessions in terms of training. How much do you feel has benefited you and improved your training schedule?
I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time! The drills and techniques have improved the whole training camp, which has been high level. I’ve never had a full fight camp with an S&C coach, so this has only helped me improve all aspects.
Rhino Daley as an Opponent
You’ll take on Rhino Daley on the night, which is hunting his first professional win. How do you view him as an opponent, and what are your expectations from him on Feb. 19?
He will be dangerous opposition looking for a knockout. I have to work my game and outstrike him, and we will see what happens from there.
For those who have never watched you compete before. Why should they tune in and watch Robbie Kennedy vs Rhino Daley? What can we expect?
They should tune and watch me because I guarantee to bring action whenever I go in the cage, the ring, the mats, I come to fight! Won’t back down. It’s war in there, do or die! This fight will be action-packed!
Fast forward to this time next year. What position do you visualise yourself in MMA?
I envisage myself fighting on a big show and getting the break into the mainstream! I love teaching all my students, so I know they will if I don’t make it.
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Featured Image credits to DN4 Photography
