Thomas Callaghan isn’t feeling the pressure ahead of his return to mixed martial arts competition this Saturday at UNITY Fighting Championship.
Unity FC takes place this Saturday at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington and the promotion has treated those attending to fourteen well-matched fights.
Callaghan is set to square off with Harvey Kerridge, and believes all the pressure falls on his opponents shoulders ahead of Saturday’s clash. We spoke with the Scotsman in the leadup to fight night. See what he had to say below.
Interview With Thomas Callaghan
Saturday night, you return to the octagon with the aim of leaving Darlington with a victory. How have preparations been alongside some of your teammates competing on the card?
I’m looking forward to making my return. My teammates are a huge part of it for me. Getting to prepare with amazing amateur fighters whilst they are in their best shape is the best you can ask for.
I see you recently took part in your first wrestling tournament. Talk me through that experience and how you got on/enjoyed it.
I did. I really enjoyed it. I feel like those are the tests you need to improve. Nowadays, you need to be amazing everywhere if you want to be fighting as a top-level Pro Athlete. I wrestled with guys who have been strictly wrestling most of their lives and didn’t look out of place in my first comp. Each experience is just levelling up. That’s what I want.
Is there a different buzz around the gym when you know a few of you guys are heading to Darlington to compete as opposed to one of you just competing? It must make for a healthy training environment pre-fight.
Our environment is the most healthy environment you can get. Our coaches treat us like professional athletes. We have a small team, and we have all grown up with each other in this team. Seeing everyone improve and get the results for the work they put in is a class atmosphere to be part of.
Thomas Callaghan Talks Training at Different Gyms
You seem to be someone who enjoys training at different places and getting different looks. How important do you feel it is to train in other gyms, attend seminars, and so on in the long run?
Yeah, I’ve been to a few places recently. Got to go to UFC Fighter Davey Grant’s SBG Bishop Aukland. It’s amazing to see that what we do is the exact same as what he does. We are on the correct path. The only difference is the time served.
Where do you feel you’ve made the biggest improvements since the last time we’ve seen you?
I’m a completely better fighter and athlete from any footage there is that exists of me, I’ve not had a fight in 2 years, but I’ve been in the lab every single day. I’ve been absolutely committed to my MMA training, strength & conditioning, mental [performance and my recovery. I’m bigger, more well rounded and more experienced.
Does visualisation play a part in your preparation, or is it a case of wait-and-see adapting when needed?
Visualisation is key. See it in your mind and apply it. That goes for any walk of life. I use it out with just fighting.
Saturday night, you meet Harvey Kerridge. What do you know about your opponent, if anything?
I know very little about my opponent. I know he’s a black karate belt. That’s it. He’s a debutant. I’ve been through this. He hasn’t. I’m not worried. He will be.
Tell us what we can expect in the fight from yourself to get those attending more excited than they already are.
Complete dominance is expected. My family know it, and my team know it. My support knows it.
Assessing Amateur Career
How would you sum up your amateur career thus far?
My amateur career has been a lot of lessons. Winning and learning are a massive part of it. To be at the top, you’re going to have a lot more fights, and a lot more wins to rack up. I’m still in the early stages of amateur. This is only the beginning.
Kicking off your year with a win, what can we expect to see next from Thomas Callaghan if victorious?
Straight back in for another fight. My time is now. I want to be extremely active in all disciplines. I’m the fittest strongest, and healthiest version of me and long may it continue.
Finally, any last words for your opponent?
Catch ye Saturday, Sensei.
Featured image credits to MMA UK
