Joshua Abraham makes his return to the octagon this Saturday at UNITY Fighting Championship after a long-lay off from mixed martial arts competition.
Abraham is entering Saturday’s pro-lightweight clash with Liam Thomas filled with confidence after he’s had some time to improve on his skillset and recharge the batteries.
Unity FC takes place in the Dolphin Centre in Darlington. Twenty-eight fighters will make the walk, so those attending can expect a fun-filled night of competitive action.
Ahead of the battle, we had the pleasure of catching up with Joshua Abraham to hear his thoughts on his return. Read the full exclusive interview below.
Interview With Joshua Abraham
Saturday night, you return to MMA competition for the first time in three years. How are the emotions as we close in on fight night?
I can’t wait. It’s been a long layoff MMA, but I had a lot to work on inside the gym and outside of the gym. Now, fight nights closing in, though. I feel the best I’ve ever felt!
You’ve kept fairly active in terms of training, it seems. Is there any reason behind the long-lay-off, or is it just one of them things?
I’ve done a lot of coaching over the last few years and just spend my time working on the weak areas in my game, but mainly I had to work on myself, get myself to the level I need to become professional in all aspects of fighting and dieting cos I love scran.
What have you missed the most about preparing for a fight and being in fight camp?
I’ve been doing fight camps with the lads at the gym for the last year or so, but for me being back in the mix training and sparring properly again has just given me that little buzz back, don’t miss the dieting, that’s for sure.
Joshua Abraham Talks Kickboxing Bout
Last year you did break the period of inactivity with a kickboxing bout and victory. Talk to me about that and how it felt going toe-to-toe in combat with another man again.
I loved it. I will always feel so comfortable doing k1 / boxing bouts as that’s what I’ve always loved the most. Nothing beats having a good toe to toe fight!
Your last little stint came on Cage Warriors, and unfortunately, you dropped three in a row. What do you feel was going wrong back then, and is Cage Warriors somewhere you’d like to end up again?
My last little stint on Cage Warriors was s**t, to say the least. Back then, I was just an athlete. I cut so many corners in my game, my diet wasn’t ever the way it should have been, and my training was good, but being truthful, I probably wasn’t mature enough to be doing what I was doing and yeah would be nice to be back there, but I’m in no rush, I wanna rebuild myself properly, do everything 100% right this time.
Saturday night, you meet Liam Thomas. Many people look at his record and anticipate you running through him relatively comfortably. Would you say that’s a fair assessment, or does that add pressure on your shoulders? Truthfully, how are you looking at this bout?
I mean, I can only fight who’s In front of me. I’ve had 3/4 changes of opponent for this fight camp, so right now, my goal stays the same, and that’s getting the W.
Time Away From the Sport
What would you have to say to a Liam Thomas who believes the same Josh Abraham is going to show up that suffered the three-fight-skid before the layoff?
I believe he’d be very incorrect if he thought the old me was still around, I’m a completely different fighter to my last MMA bout, and I can’t wait to show people what I’ve been up to.
The sport can evolve in such a short space of time. With the time away, do you believe ring-rust is going to play a factor on the night or that you’ll encounter any difficulties that perhaps weren’t around when you last competed?
While I’ve been out and inactive in MMA, I have been having a few submissions-only fights on a big platform called Northern Submission Series. They bring a big crowd and big production, so the nerves and ring rust, I think, ain’t going to be an issue! I’m here now and back, and that’s the main thing!
Recharging the Batteries
Having recharged the batteries, and are ready to go once again. What new tools can the community expect to see added to your arsenal, and overall what can we expect to see from Josh Abraham 2.0 at Unity FC in Darlington?
A whole load of violence. Push the pace as always! But if you wanna see it, you gotta be there, get your tickets and see what I’ve been up to.
Finally, I’ll give you the last word. Is there any last word to your opponent or any sponsor you’d like to thank?
I’d like to thank all my coaches for this fight camp! Anth Hopper, Cal Pacino, Chris Short and, my strength and conditioning coach Charlotte Hill, all my training partners at Roker Rough House and Alliance Newcastle for helping me get ready for this fight!
Big shoutout to Cruze fight-wear, always keeping me supplied with the freshest of training gear. Go give them a follow on Instagram!
See use all Saturday night.
