Amateur MMA in the UK is flourishing. With no shortage of high-level talent coming through, the UK scene has never looked so promising. Xtreme Kombat 15 is stacked for the tip to tail with MMA and K1 bouts featuring some of the UK’s most anticipated amateur fighters. There are not many fighters in the featherweight ranks more promising than ACE MMA’s Aaron “Boy Wonder” Givens.
Givens is scheduled to face ASW’s Oliver Tero in a featherweight title fight this weekend. We got Aaron’s thoughts ahead of the much-anticipated bout.
Aaron Givens Interview
Firstly, thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Aaron. How has your camp been going?
Camp has been great, training with the best to become the best version of myself. I truly can’t wait to showcase all my hard work come Saturday night.
You’re fighting out of a great gym in ACE MMA. How important is having someone like Shajidul Haque around to prepare you for your fights?
Shaj has been my coach for nearly eight years now, and he has always had such a huge impact on my training/growth as an athlete and person. His experience is such a valuable asset that it helps him prepare us for any competition that comes our way.
You’ve got a lot of experience and rounds in the cage, do you think that gives you the edge heading into this title fight?
I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it takes to get inside that cage, and I learn more about myself every time. My experience is a valuable asset, and I’m ready to show that.
This will be your 13th amateur fight, are you getting ready to make that step up to the pro ranks?
I’m taking every fight as it comes, training to be the best fighter I can possibly be. My coaches know the fight game and my skills better than I. I’ll go pro when my coaches say I’m ready. Until then, I’m going to keep working, keep improving and be ready to take over the pro scene when the time is right.
Aaron on His Focus for This Fight
Oliver Tero is a fantastic opponent to test your skills against. Have you looked into a lot of his fights or are you focusing more on what you can do as opposed to Tero’s abilities?
I have had a look, and he is a very skilled opponent making for a really exciting fight. But as I’ve said previously, I just make sure that the best Aaron Givens shows up on fight night. Every fight is about taking another step on the ladder towards being the best fighter I can be, and everyone will see that come Saturday night.
In your last fight against Paul Hartburn, you were able to showcase your top-level skills. Were you pleased with your performance and what did you take away from the fight?
I was happy with my performance against a tough fighter, but I know that I’ve come on massively since that fight, and I’m ready to prove that come Saturday night.
Should you come out of this bout the victor and healthy how quickly would you like to get back in the cage?
I’ll like to get in there as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Do you have anything you’d like to say before the cage door shuts on Saturday?
Be ready for the fight of the night and my hand to be raised with the belt around my waist. Welcome to the ACE TAKEOVER!
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Featured image credits to Aaron Givens
