Jonas Grace 3-2-0 is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Light Welterweight. An amateur competitor since 2018, representing New Wave Academy. He has competed for Lion Fighting Championship, Ambition Fight Series, CageWarriors Academy South East and Fightstar Championship.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Jonas, how has training been going in the build-up to your scheduled bout at Fightstar Championship 20?
“Training has been great! I have got in the work I wanted to get in and managed to stay (relatively) injury-free. With camp nearing an end now, all that is left is to rest and get myself ready for Saturday.”
The fans at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre are in for a treat when you take on undefeated FSC welterweight champion Sife-Allah Azahaf. Not all fighters study their opponent in the build-up to the war ahead, have you had the opportunity to study your opponent leading up to December 18th?
“having fought him previously and felt his strengths and weaknesses. I am sure he has developed as a fighter since then but from other footage I’ve seen, his game looks similar and we have been sharpening the tools that will take advantage of that game.”
When getting the call to fight for what all competitors strive to be within their career, what was going through your mind at the prospect of potentially becoming a champion at the action-packed event in London?
“Ever since I saw Sife take the title a few years back, I knew I could get that belt. When I was offered the shot I felt excited and have been looking forward to next Saturday ever since.”
Last we saw you in action was back in March at Cage Warriors Academy South East 25. Winning by split decision against a very well rounded Christian Stava, this being the third of your trio of W’s along with your amateur career. What did you take away from the action-packed three-round war in Essex?
“I felt in that fight that I did not let enough go and to be honest it didn’t feel like a win, split decisions never do. But I have learnt from that experience and will take that forward with me.”
Being part of FSC14 and FSC18 and this being your third outing with Fightstar, does the prospect of being part of future events interest you within your Amateur career and beyond?
“Fightstar is a fantastic show and I am always keen to be a part of it. Very professional set up and it being in Crystal Palace makes it even better.”
Other than your inclusion on the night, are there any match-ups, in particular, you’re keen to witness on the action-packed FSC20 card?
“There are so many great fights, including a lot of guys who have been training at New Wave Academy, so I will be excited to see all of them fight, with Festus Ahorlu being the one I am anticipating the most. This dude has been putting in work and is super talented. Other than the guys from New Wave, Matt Nicholson is fighting and he used to be one of my main sparring partners. His explosive power and flare both standing and on the ground should be a cause for concern for anybody who would fight him. The warlord Stelios Theo has been doing some rounds with us too so his fight should be a war. Also, Aranan is making his debut as the first fight of the night, with great grappling. I am thinking he will strangle his guy, so I am looking forward to that too.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to shout out to?
“I am thankful for anyone that comes out to support, these shows wouldn’t happen without the fans. Shout out to Eoghan for my grappling, Sidus and Alex for my wrestling, Tommy for my hands and footwork and Ash and Jeff for my clinch and that work. Hope I can do these guys proud. Lastly, thanks to the team at Zenkai and New Wave Academy for knitting me out and giving me a place to train.”
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