Jamie MacDonald is confident in finding a finish wherever the fight ends up at Almighty Fighting Championship 31 this Saturday.
The Scottish native will meet multiple-time K1 world champion Mateusz Duczmal at the Deeside Leisure Centre in Wales. MacDonald enters the cage with an eye-catching (2-0) record and has destroyed everyone in his path thus far.
The fight between the pair was set to go down last month, but due to an injury, MacDonald was unable to make the walk. Thankfully, the fight stayed intact, and fans will get to see the carnage that unfolds this Saturday at Almighty FC 31.
Before fight night, we had the opportunity to catch up with Jamie MacDonald to see where his head was ahead of battle. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Jamie MacDonald
Jamie, you’re all set to make your return to the cage. You must be hungry and raring to go. How are the body and mind ahead of battle?
Yes, I am hungry and a tad tiered, as to be expected, and still got a fair bit of water to shift.
The upcoming fight was set to take place two months ago, and Almighty rescheduled it for Saturday night. Was there any talk of a new opponent and getting Mateusz a late replacement, or did you really want to get this fight and win under your belt?
The fight was scheduled a month ago. I got an injury that prevented me from running to make 93 kg. I really wanted that fight to go ahead but wanted to be in the best shape possible, so it was sensible to hold off until the next show for me and my team.
Your career thus far couldn’t have gone any better. Two fights and two finishes. Is that a testament to your commitment and dedication to the game since turning pro?
Everything is clicking into place now am peaking and forever growing.
MacDonald on Opponent
Mateusz is a dangerous and accomplished striker. What do you know about him, if anything, and is this the sort of challenge you seek at this stage of your career?
Yeah, Mateusz is a decorated striker/martial artist ( as am I). I never underestimate anyone but always focus on my strengths and game plans with the team. We have been working on some cool stuff for this fight in particular, with the understanding of what this win could bring to the table for us. I don’t turn down anything, but in the same respect, we are realistic and smart about our progress. I think, stylistically, this fight is a great match-up.
He made his debut against a poor opponent in Jan Lysak. Can you take anything away from that fight, and have you even watched it back?
I bought the PPV for the Jan Lysak fight as it’s part of my job to do so.
I thought Mateusz looked composed, as expected from him, but I was also shocked by a few things with the fight.
If I connect my hands around your leg or waist or any part of your body, I genuinely believe you’re in for a rough night. Not only that, I’ve got power in my hands. As shown many times, people forget I hand-done a lot of striking myself and boxed/sparred some elite-level fighters across the UK and Ireland. Boxed one of the best boxers on the go for my first boxing fight from Ireland.
Future Plans
At heavyweight, it’s much easier to get a big call-out for shows like PFL or Bellator. Is that on your mind at this stage, or are you taking it one step at a time?
I am not looking past Mateusz, tbh. I look forward to sharing the cage with him, and moving forwards after that can wait, but right now, it’s game time.
Finally, how does Jamie MacDonald and Mateusz Duczmal unfold at Almighty FC this Saturday?
I see Mateusz starting composed and relaxed on his feet, waiting for the inevitable from myself. I am sure he’s got a game plan, too, just don’t sleep on my striking ability am not Jan Lysak am Jamie Macdonald from the Highlands. I am coming to perform and make another statement in someone else’s back garden yet again. I can end this fight on the feet and on the floor. As we all know, no one is Superman, no matter your experience.
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
