Conner Hughes 2-0-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Lightweight Division, representing MMA Academy Liverpool. A professional competitor since July 2021. He has competed for Cage Warriors Academy North West, Almighty Fighting Championship, Celtic Gladiator, Caged Steel And Preston based organisation UKFC.
I had the opportunity to speak with Connor to gain some insight into his preparation for his scheduled bout at UKFC17.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Conner, and also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for UKFC17. How has training been going in the build-up to your scheduled bout on the 27th?
“Training been going well, I’ve had a busy year so I haven’t been out to the gym since January.”
At UKFC17 You take on Marcin Zembela for your third step down your professional career. What do you make of your opponent, have you managed to get a look at Marcin?
“My opponent is well experienced, 12 amateur fights and this will be his 8th pro, a southpaw who looks pretty well rounded. It’s a good fight for me to end a successful year.
Without giving too much away, what steps have you taken to make sure your second appearance for the UKFC hopefully mirrors your explosive pro debut for the Preston based organisation?
“I’ve just worked on getting better and beating myself at my last performance. I’ve not put any pressure on making sure I finish, I’ve just made sure I’ve levelled up again and I think that I will beat myself at my last UKFC outing.”
Stepping out of your amateur career on a win, and then getting your first two Pro fights mirroring your departure must be an amazing feeling. What advice would you give to amateurs looking to take their first step onto the professional scene?
“My advice to amateur fighters would be to get the best amateur experience you can, learn from both wins and losses and believe in your ability when stepping up into the pros.”
November 27th is fast approaching, soon the wars will begin in Preston. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups that you’re particularly looking forward to witnessing?
“I’m looking forward to every fight for our team, we have five of us fighting that day and I’ll pay for all of them! We all have big fights on the show and I think it will be our fights that people remember that night.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance at the Imperial Banqueting Suite, St. Mary’s Suite North and anybody you’d like to shout out to?
“To everyone coming out to watch, you know you can always count on me to put on a show, the card is stacked from top to bottom and I look forward to it as a fan just as much as a fighter. Big shoutout to my team The MMA Academy Liverpool, all my sponsors, Ian Taylor, Black Label, Ultra Fresh, Teki Fightwear & The dash hound Den for all the support in this camp.”
Gifted entrants into the professional circuit are versatile and will do everything they can to succeed. Conner is a fine example of just such a warrior. I for one am looking forward to following his journey with the UKFC and beyond.
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