Featherweight newcomer Luke Bennett on his rediscovered passion for MMA, his desire to become the best and how Darren Till once broke his nose.University, work and social life can often be enough for the modern student. Now, imagine throwing in daily training for mixed martial arts, too. That’s what 22-year-old Luke Bennett lives for and whilst he admits it’s tough, his admiration to become the best motivates him daily after rediscovering his love for the sport.
The Liverpool John Moore’s student made his MMA debut at Cage Warriors 82 on four-days’ notice against Adam Wilson, losing by submission in round one. Despite the defeat, it was that fight that re-lit the fire in his belly after being close to giving up.
Originally the Liverpool-born fighter was best known in Boxing and Muay Thai, having had a UK ranked spot in the latter, but didn’t need much persuading to take the opportunity in MMA.
“It was four days’ notice and it was my mate that was meant to be fighting but he injured his shoulder and couldn’t fight and at that time I kind of lost a love for fighting,” said Luke.
“The passion wasn’t there anymore, and I was busy working, university and doing my own thing.
“I got a call off my coach saying, ‘you’ve got four days and need to drop eight kilograms, do you want to do it at Echo Arena?’
“Most people from Liverpool who have ever fought know the dream is to fight at Echo Arena.
“I got subbed but that defeat lifted a little fire in my belly and really got me going. The passion came back big time.
“I’ve never done MMA and to lose in the Echo, that’s what it was. You don’t imagine yourself losing there so I really want to make an impression and show what a different person I am from a year ago.”
Luke continued to fight after his losing debut and has turned professional since, which has seen him involved in three fights, including a victory by head kick inside thirty seconds.
The fighter currently studies Sport and Nutrition for Health and works his spare time at a hospital but admits it’s not easy balancing his hectic lifestyle.
“I’ve got to prioritise things and it’s not easy,” he said.
“I get up at six for the gym, then train which includes a 10k run then weights or practise mixed martial arts depending on the day.
“Overnight it’s back to the gym for three hours for another run and two more hours of training. Any fighter at any level should tell you that there are sacrifices that you’ve got to make but it’s those sacrifices that push you. From social life and not seeing your mates to chocolate – as I told my girlfriend and family to not buy me Easter eggs!”
The busy schedule doesn’t stop there, as the youngster also works as a personal trainer at MASDA Gym, Liverpool, in which he revealed UFC’s Lightweight best prospect and Fight Night Liverpool headliner Darren Till once broke his nose there.
Charismatic Darren Till is set to headline UFC 130 against #1 belt contender Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson at Liverpool’s first ever UFC Event, and despite once breaking his nose, Luke admits he looks up to the fighter and what he has achieved.
“Darren once broke my nose in one of my first year of training,” admitted Luke
“He punched my face and I carried on and thought it was just a nosebleed. I got in the car after training and it was my dad that questioned my nose.
“Darren trained there when the gym first opened and was the first person to ever make me think I want to be this guy back when I was seventeen. He’s the inspiration from day one.
“I remember when he moved to Brazil when I was in sixth from and saying you want to watch this guy, Darren Till, he’s quality and he will make it in UFC one day. That’s an inspiration, I want to be the best fighter. I’ve seen him go from nothing to UFC and to see that is next level inspiration.”
Luke admits he enjoys academics and University, currently in his second year, but believes he has the talent, desire and ability to reach the top and make a name for himself in the Featherweight Division.
“I want to make a career in it,” he admitted.
“I never dreamed about getting into MMA until I fought in Cage Warriors. Top level Muay Thai makes buttons, most I got paid was around five-hundred for eight weeks training and it doesn’t cut it. I want to fight. I knew I wanted to fight.
“The reason why I stopped was to get my degree should anything happen. I am injury prone, but I’m not saying I don’t have the ability. I definitely do. I definitely have it.”
Luke was lined up to fight at Cage Warriors Academy on June 2nd against Manchester-born Jay Corkovic. However, he recently pulled his meniscus which requires surgery. Hopefully, the fighter will be back before we know it for his journey to the top.
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