In an exclusive interview, amateur MMA prospect Matthew Dixon opens up about facing back-to-back losses for the first time in his career and his upcoming Unity Fighting Championship welterweight title bout against Ilyas Gohar.
Despite setbacks, Dixon remains confident in his abilities and aims to use the opportunity to showcase his true potential. Can he bounce back on February 17 and silence the doubters by securing victory and the coveted welterweight strap for Fu Dog MMA?
We caught up with Matthew Dixon prior to battle. Hear what he had to say below.
Matthew Dixon Eyes Welterweight Strap at Unity FC
You will be back to work on February 17, ready to right the wrongs of your last two. You are facing back-to-back losses for the first time in your amateur career. How are you feeling?
I’m gutted to be on a losing streak. It doesn’t feel right. I know how good I am, and my last two fights don’t reflect the level I’m at.
You fought for a title against Jacob last time around and did take it late. What went wrong? Despite the result not falling in your favour, was there anything you were happy with?
That fight with Jacob Shepherd was the best I’ve felt in a fight, with cardio and composure wise. As long as the fight went, I didn’t panic even though I was put in some bad positions early, and going into the second round, I felt minimal fatigue. Jacob was just steps ahead in the grappling, and I was also drastically undersized for a middleweight.
Looking ahead, how does one shift the mindset and mentality into a positive one as we step into a new year and seek new challenges?
I believe that I am taking this as a positive because it’s made me want to win that much more, and I believe this win against Gohar will make me one of the best amateur prospects coming out of Scotland.
Attaining The Belt
Having fought on Unity FC before and made a statement, you’ll get the chance to compete for their welterweight strap. Another chance to take a title back to Fu Dog MMA. Assessing your opponent, Ilyas Gohar’s game. What do you need to do in order to get the result you want in Darlington?
I’ve watched a few of his fights, and to be honest, I like his style of fighting, he fights to win. I just need to go out there and fight the guy.
Ilyas Gohar is a dangerous opponent with a knack for finishing fights. How do you feel his style compares to yours from what you’ve seen?
I believe he is good, but I believe skill for skill, I am better. He is a dangerous opponent, but I know that will just bring out the best in me.
Fight night. February 17. What expectations do you have given your last two results?
I expect that I end my losing streak, take the belt, and show everyone how good I actually am.
