The 12th of November 2022 was a magical night to remember in Manchester for Jimmy Wallhead as he was crowned Cage Warriors champion.
In the co-main slot of CW146, Jimmy Wallhead (33-11-0) proved age is nothing more than just a number. As he overcame the highly touted Matt Figlak after 1:39 of round one, to become the interim welterweight champion.
A professional combat sports career approaching two decades in length, Wallhead has become accustomed to the highs and lows of the sport. From the highs of stints in the UFC and Bellator, to the lows of enduring Injuries and encountering the volcanic ash cloud that put paid to his 2010 Bellator debut.
Still the man known as ‘Judo’ Jimmy persisted with his guts, determination and never say die attitude, on the way to securing Cage Warriors gold. I was fortunate to catch up with the Champ, and get a little bit of insight into the legendary career of Jimmy Wallhead.
Interview With ‘Judo’ Jimmy Wallhead
First off congratulations Jimmy on your title win at CW146. Where does winning the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship sit in your career of achievements?
Thank you very much mate, honestly it sits very near the top for sure if not the top, perseverance in the end worked out.
Joining up with team Rough House, was a turning point in your career. What positive impact did training with guys like Dan Hardy and Paul Daley to name a few have for you?
Absolutely that’s the case I was 2-2 in MMA and after picking up my second loss Dan Hardy & Owen Comrie invited me over to train In Nottingham.
Took me few weeks to commit but when I did things changed a lot for me.
Do you have a favourite team Rough House story you can share with us?
We were a bunch of piss takers and hard workers but everyday was a nobble, and we all bonded for life.
You are one of the pioneers of UK MMA, do you miss the early days? and what’s the biggest difference you see now?
People keep sayin this of late and it’s very flattering and means a lot, the difference is just the professionalism now I find.
How skilled everyone is. I love the IMMAF stuff and how it’s developing the sport so excited to be part of it and I’ve enjoyed seeing the evolution.
When can we look forward to seeing you back in a CW cage defending your Championship? and is there any opponent lined up?
It’s potentially looking like March/April Vs Rhys McKee for the unification bout.
For someone who has achieved so much, is there anything left on your MMA bucket list?
I don’t know lol, i keep saying one more.
Ihave things come in my head like one more UFC dance etc… if it comes up it does but I’m happy with one at a time at the moment.
Any regrets?
Kind of, but my view is every mistake or regret has been a blessing and made me who I am so i can’t regret it.
I’m happy with where I’m at and what’s going on in my world.
To finish off, what advice would you give to any youngster looking for a career in MMA?
Find a great gym to call your home, but travel, grow, get involved with IMMAF, take the pressure off.
Enjoy it, enjoy it all enjoy the losses and the hard days because there will be a few.
Its been an absolute pleasure to discuss the career of a UK MMA legend, and everyone at Combat Sports UK would like to wish Jimmy Wallhead congratulations on his success.
Image Credit Cage Warriors
