Luke Richardson is set to make his highly anticipated return this Saturday at Almighty Fighting Championship 30.
Richardson is set to square off with Jamal Raja at the Metrodome in Barnsley, England, who is also entering the bout after a period of inactivity.
The Dungeon representative enters the fight boasting a (4-1) record and is looking to bounce back from his first career loss to Sami Hoque. Ahead of the action-packed fight card set for Saturday, we had the pleasure of speaking with Luke Richardson ahead of his return.
Interview With Luke Richardson
Luke, we are in fight week, and you’re set to make your return after a long period of inactivity. How are the body and mind after a break from battering the body?
Yeah, it’s been over a year now since my last mma fight. I can’t wait to get back in there! This camp has been spot on, and I’ve not had to deal with any injuries or niggles in this camp, and everything has gone smoothly, feeling fully focused and positive about getting the job done.
I say break. In your time out, have you been consistently still training, or have you had a complete break from the sport?
Not long after my fight with Sami, I did have an injury in training which set me back a few months, so I had a few months off while I let that heal, and then I was back at it. Then I had a k1 bout at the back end of November.
The last time we saw you compete, you suffered your first career loss to Sami Haque at the beginning of 2022. Did the fight have any part to play in the time? If not, what did?
The fight itself had nothing to do with the time off. As mentioned in the last question, it was an injury in training, and then just slowly easing myself back into it.
Luke Richardson on Facing First Defeat
Touching on the fight with Sami, you were used to dominating people and getting them out of there up until then. How did you handle the first defeat from a mental standpoint?
My loss to Sami definitely changed my mindset on how to approach fights as up until then. I wasn’t giving any of my camps the full dedication that I could’ve been putting in, such as missing training here and there. I also had a lot of things going on outside of training. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t take Sami’s performance away from him at all. He was by far the better man on the night, but il get that one back sooner or later.
With time off comes big changes in someone’s arsenal and skill set. Can we expect to see some new tricks from Luke Richardson this Saturday at Almighty FC 30?
Yeah, I’d hope so anyways, haha. Yeah, I think over the last year or so, I’ve improved my game in all parts of martial arts. I’m feeling sharp and can’t wait to put on a performance this Saturday!
You will meet Jamal Raja on Saturday. What do you know about him, and how do you feel you match up against one another?
I’ve watched a couple of his recent fights, and I think he’s a well-rounded fighter. He mixes his takedowns nicely with his hands and seems a good grappler, too, it’s a good match-up for us both, and regardless of his three losses, I think he’s my toughest opponent to date.
Jamal Raja
Jamal is also making his return after a lengthy period on the sidelines. Does that make it easier for you to know he may be a little bit rusty and won’t be firing on all cylinders with his lack of activity?
Yeah, I think his last mma bout was the same night I fought. But no, not really. I’m expecting a solid Jamal on Saturday night, prepared for a war!
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
