Shawon Choudhury makes the walk tomorrow night with the aim of keeping the UKFC flyweight strap under ACE MMA’s roof and re-establishing himself as the best flyweight in the United Kingdom.
Shawon has an excellent opportunity to do so when met with Ireland’s No.1 ranked flyweight Abbott-Bisset at UK Fighting Championship 21. The event is set to go down tomorrow evening in Preston, England.
We had the pleasure of speaking with the champion ahead of battle. Read the full interview below.
Interview With Shawon Choudhury
Saturday night, you put your flyweight title on the line against Ireland’s No.1 ranked flyweight. Are these the sort of bouts that really motivate you and get you motivated to get to the gym and grind away ahead of fight night?
I’m always motivated and grinding in the gym regardless of the situation or opportunity, but I’d be lying if I said these opportunities don’t give me an extra kick. I can’t wait to test myself again against Ireland’s number 1.
Touching on your most recent outing. Your great streak came to an end after suffering a submission defeat to Joe Sheilds at Almighty FC 27. Reflecting back and evaluating the performance. Are you at peace with it? Move on, dust yourself off, and go again type attitude?
I had already moved and dusted myself a few days after the loss. The only annoying thing about that loss was that I didn’t get to show my improvements or any of my abilities in that fight, but it is what it is that’s the fight game. I’ve been at the gym grinding and levelling up, and I’m ready to show just how good I am.
That fight was a tough one for fans of the regional circuit, and I’m sure you feel the same. The top 2 flyweight’s going toe-to-toe on a top show like Almighty, but we feel it didn’t really get started, and you, for one, weren’t able to give an accurate representation of your skillset. Would you say that’s a fair assessment?
That’s a fair assessment. I let myself, my coaches, my team and my fans down not by losing but by not performing and showing my skill set, but I can’t take anything away from Joe. He came in and did what he needed to do. One person had to win, and someone had to lose and it just wasn’t my night.
Shawon Choudhury Talks Joe Fields
Last thing on Joe. Is that a fight? You can see you both running back in the future. Perhaps at the pro-circuit?
Honestly, I highly doubt we’ll fight again. In fact, we’re good friends now and train and spar together. Ace MMA really is a hotbed of talent, especially for the lighter weights. I mean, on a normal Friday, you’ll find Joe and me, the two top amateur flyweights. Sami (FCC featherweight champ), Kayne (Almighty featherweight champ) and Aaron are on the mats. Not to mention the Pros like Milad and Kai and, last but definitely not least, the King of the flyweight division and future cage warriors world champion Shaj Haque, all on the mats training together.
I’ve seen since the last fight, you’ve also enjoyed some time on holiday, relaxing, and enjoying downtime with friends. How important is it for you to find that balance between relaxing, taking time to enjoy yourself, and then constantly putting your body through its paces, focussing on your career?
Honestly, finding that balance is more important than people think because it’s physically impossible to just go at 300 miles a minute forever. Eventually, either your body or mind gives out. Maintaining that balance allows me to improve constantly and stay injury-free while putting my body through the paces.
Saturday night Abbott-Bisset is the man across the cage from you, eager to steal your belt. What would you say are the keys to keeping hold of your title on Dec.3?
The key to beating not only beating Abbott-Bissett but anyone that’s in front of me is just playing my game and being me in the cage there. I truly believe when I perform to my best, I can beat whoever is put in front of me.
Saturday’s Clash
Abbott-Bisset’s last two bouts have come under the UKFC banner, where he’s won both. Watching tape on his previous fights, what is your honest assessment of his skillset? Anything you were impressed with and not so impressed with?
His last two fights were good. He performed well against good competition. He’s got decent footwork, good grappling and wrestling, but that’s what I expect from everyone at this level. Regarding the not-so-impressive parts, you’ll just have to wait and see because those are the parts I plan on exposing Saturday.
When you first tasted your first defeat, you bounced back the following year with three wins and two titles. What can we expect from Shawon in 2023?
Honestly, my first loss was such a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to take a step back, re-evaluate and improve my skill set, and fill in any holes in my game, similar to my most recent loss. If all goes well, I plan on staying active, going on a tear in 2023, re-establishing myself as the top flyweight, and winning a few more belts.
Featured image credits to UKFC/Shawon Choudhury
