On the back of podium success at the Four Nations tournament last week, Matthew Dixon is ready for a quick turnaround as he prepares to face Nial Rashid on Aug.5 at Unity Fighting Championship.
Dixon enters the fight boasting a (3-1) record and rides a three-fight win streak. Confidence at an all-time high, the FuDog MMA fighter is ready to showcase his improvements.
The fights will go down at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington, and fans can expect a fun-filled card to tuck into. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to catch up with Matthew Dixon to get his thoughts ahead of the battle. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Matthew Dixon
Matthew, you’ve been a busy lad since we last talked. Talk us through the last wee while in terms of competition. How much do you feel you’ve grown since the last time we talked?
I feel like I’ve grown massively, especially in my understanding of fighting, due to being so active and from the experience gained from fighting and beating a good standard opponent.
You recently competed under the four nations banner last week. Talk us through your weekend, how you enjoyed the experience, and what you gained from being among and competing in that intense atmosphere.
I enjoyed the experience despite losing gold in the finals. Still, I had two fights over the weekend which is an experience not a lot of amateurs get the opportunity to have. I feel I benefited from seeing how the top-level amateurs from the four nations compete, and it left me feeling motivated to improve my skill set.
Prior to that, you picked up another solid victory on Goliath on the back of your first career victory. How did you view your fight with Lewis Edwards, and how satisfied were you with your performance?
I was very satisfied with that performance. I believe it to be my best, in my own opinion, due to me mixing in takedowns with my striking and controlling on the ground as well as winning the majority of the striking exchanges on the feet. My only problem was my inactivity on the ground, which I believe if I had more urgency, I could have gotten the finish.
Dixon Talks Unity FC Bout
Your next assignment is set for Aug.5 at Unity FC, where you’ll walk with your teammates, who will also compete on the card. What’s the atmosphere and team morale like in the gym at the moment, and how important do you feel that is in terms of your preparation?
Team morale is very high, and it’s great being in camp with others from the gym. It means we all have a goal and the same purpose for our training, and I’m really looking forward to seeing my training partners compete.
In your preparation for Aug. 5., you’ll clash with the debuting Nial Rashid. How do you go about preparing for someone who’s never made the walk?
I just expect a fight, as always. I’m prepared for a hard three rounds if need be. I’m confident in my skills, and I’m confident I’ll be able to adapt to whatever he shows me.
With him never making the walk and going through all the emotions, doubts, and feelings for the first time. How much of an advantage do you give yourself from the mental side of things?
I feel I have a massive advantage in this regard as I feel I’m improving mentally every fight and getting a little bit more comfortable in the cage every fight. obviously, there is still room for improvement, as will always be the case.
Finally, by now, we know what to expect when you step foot inside the cage. But give the fans attending some excitement. What can they expect to see unfold when the cage doors shut on you and Nial?
It’s a fight. Anything can happen, but I believe I dominate wherever the fight takes place, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I finish him.
Featured image credits to Matthew Dixon
