Celtic Pride’s Rhys Hughes returns to amateur MMA action on March 25th at Cage Warriors Academy Wales 9. The Welshman will challenge himself against recent CWAW title challenger James Wamsley. Ahead of his fight in Ebbw Vale, Hughes has stated that 2023 is going to be an exciting one for him inside the cage.
Return to Fighting
With two weeks to go before fight night, Welsh MMA fans can begin to feel the excitement ahead of this fight. Rhys Hughes and James Wamsley are two fighters who always bring it. That’s why fans of the events won’t want to miss this one.
On his mentality heading into his next fight, Hughes said: “I’m feeling great, and I’m excited to be back in there. With each fight, I approach it with an all-or-nothing mentality. I’m committed 100% to my training, nutrition and preparation on the lead-up, and I think this will show on the night.”
His last fight came at the Four Nations Championships back in July of last year, where he won silver. With his fight towards the end of last year falling through on late notice, he insists he’s used his time off to keep training, and his hunger has only improved.
Fighting James Wamsley
James Wamsley, a product of Lion’s Den gym, has always been an unorthodox fighter. But don’t let that distract you from his skillset. On his opponent for March 25th, Hughes stated that he hadn’t seen too much of him but expected a high-tempo fight with lots of action.
When it comes to preparing for specific opponents, he explained: “I never tend to look too much into tapes, as I think, especially at amateur level, fighters improve drastically from fight to fight. I do pick up certain tendencies they may have, but mostly I like to work on my own game plan and concentrate on what I’m looking to implement in the fight, regardless of who my opponent is.”
Despite that, he vowed, “I’m going to get the finish and show exactly what I’m capable of”.
Training at Celtic Pride
Celtic Pride is the home of some of Wales’ next big names. Names that include former UFC lightweight Mason Jones and former amateur triple champ, Ieuan Mackenzie. Hughes explained exactly what makes the gym so special, and it’s difficult to disagree with the mindset.
“Our team is always evolving. Whether someone has a Muay Thai fight or an MMA fight upcoming, we all dig in as a team together to help each other. It’s a very family feel to the gym, which I like. I think the structure of our gym is massively important to its success.
“Having the juniors training alongside us from the age of five, actively competing and pushing through is great to see. You can only imagine what these youngsters are going to be capable of and the talent they’ll have by the time they reach 16 and start competing in the years to come.
“My teammate Tate Groves, who’s also fighting on the CWAW card has only now turned 16 and he’s proof of this. He’s a killer and he’s going to be one to watch.”
What’s Next?
Rhys Hughes has predicted a big 2023 when it comes to staying active. Speaking on this, he said: “I’ve got a busy year ahead, and I’m going to be as active as possible. For me, it’s now or never, so I’ll be taking as many opportunities and fights that come my way.
“Last year I competed in the Four Nations tournament and that style format, having numerous fights over the course of a weekend or a week, will help in keeping me active this year and gaining more experience. I’ll also be fighting in K1 this year to step outside of my comfort zone and test my skills.”
When it comes to making the switch to professional fighting and following in the footsteps of his teammate, Ieuan Mackenzie, Hughes still thinks a lot has to happen before that comes to fruition.
“After watching Ieuan progress and go on the pro scene, it would be hard for me to say I didn’t want to follow on and do the same. But, I’ve got a lot to achieve and prove to myself and everyone first as an amateur. I don’t want to turn pro for the sake of it. I need to be winning titles and beating top names first before I’d consider it. But, I’ll speak to my coaches and decide what’s best for me then going forward.”
Rhys Hughes will take on James Wamsley on March 25th at CWAW9. You will not want to miss this quality bit of matchmaking. We’ll be bringing you all the news ahead of the event right here. Stay tuned.
