Mike Neun talks BAMMA 10 & a Possible Bout with Louis King
A couple of months back we introduced you all to British rising star Mike 'The Nightmare' Neun. A ferocious competitor, Mike is about to make a big splash on one of Europe's biggest platforms, BAMMA.
Mike took some time out before travelling to the legendary Mike's Gym over in Holland to let us ask him some questions -
Hi Mike, thanks for taking time out ahead of your fight at BAMMA 10.
Thank you for taking the time to interview me.
You're fighting Sam Mensah, what do you know about him?
I know he (Sam Mensah) is a heavy hitter. I know he's explosive too, but I see ways through. I think he's about 3-1. Losing to Rab Truesdale at the last BAMMA.
How in your mind do you envision this fight playing out?
I envisage this fight how I try to envisage all of them. My hand being held in the air by the referee. I think he's coming in to try and knock me out; unfortunately for him there will be things my arsenal that will put a stop to that plan.
How's training been? Have you been focusing specifically for Mensah or is it business as usual?
I try to focus on myself, how I'm training, what I'm doing. Obviously there are areas of your opponent that you try find out and counter in your training. How they move and how they seem to strike and stuff.
I have been training with some real heavy hitters specifically in preparation for Sam's style with some of the world's best at Mike's gym in Holland. Training has been extremely hard, diverse and another step up.
This is by far the biggest fight of your career on a massive stage, how does the pressure of being on a worldwide show compare to the smaller shows?
I'm aware of the pressure, but I've had it before. It's all in comparison, your first amateur fight feels like a world title shot, your first pro fight, your first title shot, they all feel like an 80,000 all seater world title fight in your mind. I try to use the pressure to help me train and keep me focused, then before the fight let it go. The pressure is gone because you have done your best before you got in the ring.
What is your favourite aspect of MMA? It's pretty well known you're an extremely good Thai fighter, is that still where your heart lies come fight time?
That's a kind thing to say, I've worked hard at Muay Thai and I love the culture and the people of Thailand. When it comes to MMA, I actually love the BJJ part, it's like chess, and when you mix it with striking it's brutal.
Congratulations on your recent engagement to your fiancée, on that note how does she feel about your chosen career path?
Thank you very much. She's happy with what I want to do, if it makes me happy she's happy I think. I did it when she met me and I think she was intrigued at first. She doesn't like the fact I might get hurt, seriously or otherwise but she understands I could get hurt driving a motorbike or I could do another job that could be as dangerous. I think she likes the danger side of it, the fitness and the focus it gives me in everyday life too.
What food do you have your eye on for post weigh ins?
Nandos, full on attack every time!
Ha ha, great answer Mike.
Not looking past Mensah, but is there anyone else in particular on the regional scene you'd like to fight?
That's a hard question because I don't want to be seen to call anyone out, that's not how I get down. If I was pushed for an answer (Interviewer - He was pushed!) I would have to say Louis King, I've only seen him in K1 fights, not positive he fights MMA, but the fans love him because he charges in, I'd love to fight him. Another fighter I very much enjoy watching is Max Nunes he is a great diverse fighter. I'd like to fight Anth Taylor too, another good power striker with a good rep.
Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank or give a mention to, and have you any final words for Sam?
There's so many people that help me out day to day, I mean so many, I'm so grateful every day.
I'm sure I'll miss someone because there is so many.
In no particular order. All the gyms I train at, Alan Keddle, all the trainers at Keddle's, too many to mention. Victor and all the guys at the MMA Den. Mick and all at Nemesis, Big Andy who's one of my trainers, Steve Collison, Dayman, Lee and all the guys at Combat Academy for their help with wrestling and grappling, Rafael Villard, my sponsors Ray and all at Flaming Art Tattoo in Crayford, Gary and all at Solo Supplements for all your nutritional advice and supplements, I've never felt better.
Adam and all at Bates Office Supplies for your help. Jeff Ward for all your help. Like I say not in any order, my friends and family for putting up with my busy schedule and me hardly seeing them! My parents for all their help. My Granddad and Nan, you are an inspiration. My fiancée Teri for your compassion, occasional TLC, help with my life, listening to my moaning and putting up with 'The Nightmare' leading up to the fight. I have very good people around me, I'm very lucky.
The final words I have for Sam is, I wish you good luck and looking forward to meeting with you when the cage door closes.
A signature question asked to all of our guests Mike, what are you Addicted to?
I have an addictive personality but it's sort of counteracted by the fact I'm quiet. Saying that, ice cream and chocolate are weaknesses, and Teri is definitely an addiction (corny I know).
Thanks Mike, some great answers there! Good luck on the 15th and we'll see you there!
Cool, see you on the other side.
For those who have seen Mike fight know that the nickname 'The Nightmare' is very apt. A devastating striker with no quit. And he's constantly evolving. There's a little rhyme from a very famous film that puts me in the mind of every Light Heavyweight in Britain right now -
1,2 he's coming for you. 3,4 better lock your door. 5,6 grab your crucifix. 7,8 stay up late. 9,10 never sleep again.
BAMMA 10. 15th September. The Nightmares coming...
Follow Mike on Twitter - @nightmareneun
Published by Steve Wickett - Mon, 3 Sep 2012 20:18
