Share

Tim Wilde expecting fight of the night contender showdown against Alibek Achazaev at ACB 87 – Tim Wilde interview

On April 21st Staffordshire’s Tim “The Experiment” Wilde successfully defended his Golden Ticket Fight Promotions lightweight title when he defeated the experienced Frenchman Anthony Dizy in impressive fashion via 2nd round TKO at GTFP 9. The third straight victory for Wilde improved his record to 12-3 and in the process earned him a call-up to ACB 87 in Nottingham on May 19th where he will take on Alibek Achazaev (8-2).
I recently had the chance to catch up with Tim following the victory, where we discussed his up and coming opponent, how it felt to win in front of his home fans and a dream matchup with Bruce Lee. Here’s what he had to say:

You successfully defended your GTFP lightweight title to Anthony Dizy last weekend, have you had a chance to watch the fight back and did it play out as you expected?

Yes, I’ve watched it back a couple of times now and I’m very happy with the way it went. It went exactly how I thought it would.

It was a tale of two rounds with Dizy favouring a wrestling approach in the first round, was that frustrating for you or was it something you expected?

No not at all I totally expected it, in my opinion, he is the best-unsigned wrestler in my division.

The up-kick towards the end of the first round nearly put Dizy away, when the bell sounded for the start of the second round did you think it was just a matter of time until you finished the fight?

I thought they should have stopped the fight, he was out cold in my guard. I knew as soon as I landed a significant strike it would be done.

The support for you on the night was fantastic, how did it feel to win in impressive fashion like that in front of your hometown supporters?

I always have a good following and for that, I am truly grateful. You can feel the electricity in the room, so I am glad when I can put on an exciting fight for them.

You will now be taking on Alibek Achazaev at ACB 87 in Nottingham next month, were there talks in place for this fight before your win over Dizy or is it something that came to light following your victory?

The fight was arranged verbally but it wasn’t on my mind only beating Dizy was, then if I was in a position to take it after the fight then I would. ACB was aware of this and were still keen for me to be on.

Is fighting so recently after your win over Dizy something that you prefer in order to keep the momentum going, or would a longer preparation period be more ideal?

I like to stay active now as it’s my full-time job, I’m in my prime now and will keep very busy this year.

What do you know about your opponent and how do you see the fight playing out?

I know he is a tough Russian guy who is fast and sharp with his striking, he prefers to strike so it should make for a fight of the night contender. I can see it being a real war with whoever wanting it the most coming out on top.

Your opponent hasn’t been finished in his 10 fight professional career to date, do you think that you will be the man to change that?

Absolutely I am always looking to finish fights.  I have finished guys that haven’t been finished before so I don’t ever take much notice of that. I am a finisher.

If you get the win over Achazaev, what are your plans going forward?

When I get that win I will be looking to get back in there mid-July if anyone is interested….?

How did you get into MMA to begin with?

I ended up coming across The Ultimate Fighter on TV which sparked my interest and went and gave it a try. It grew from there. I was a keen martial artist before starting MMA.

What does a typical day look like in the life of Tim Wilde?

I generally train a minimum of 2 times a day but normally 3. I use any spare time around training to be with my son if he is with his mother I study myself or my opponent. If I have down time I like to catch up with friends eat out or go see a film. I keep active all the time even on rest days, I go insane if I’m not doing something.

If you could take on any opponent past or present, who would it be and why?
Bruce Lee, I know he would kick my ads but would be unreal to spar him or fight him to just feel how good he was.
You can catch Tim Wilde in action at ACB 87 from the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on May 19th.

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Join our UFC WhatsApp fan group and discuss the latest UFC events and news