Karl ‘Killshot’ Fletcher 2-2-0 is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Featherweight division, representing SBG Rochdale. He has competed for FCC, Gladiator Promotions UK, MTK MMA, Euro Fight Night, Celtic Gladiator, Budo Fighting Championship and is making his debut for Preston based organisation UKFC on May 14th
I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Karl, and also to congratulate you on your recent addition to the UKFC19 Card.
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your return to the cage?
“Yeah, training has been non-stop, I train all year round so there’s no such thing as a training camp for me really. I just tend to turn up the intensity and visualise everything a lot more from the walkout to staring across the cage at my opponent on fight night.”
Each and every athlete in the fight game has a story to tell on how they entered combat sports. To give the fans a bit of insight leading up to May the 14th, what first attracted you to the brutal yet exhilarating world of mixed martial arts?
“I’ve done a few different martial arts since I was a kid, from Thai boxing to taekwondo, but the one that really interested me was boxing. I did that for a couple of years when I was around 9/10 years old and picked it up again in high school when I was around 15. That’s when I really became dedicated, it was all I wanted to do. I had a few amateur boxing bouts and was successful in most of them. Somewhere along the way, I started paying more attention to the UFC than any big boxing fights that were on, I loved Nick Diaz and his style. It impacted my own style of boxing, I was having a lot of success taking that forward pressure approach and forcing the pace, which is a big thing in the judge’s eyes in amateur boxing. After a good winning streak in boxing, I was more interested in MMA than boxing. I decided to take up a class at Full Contact Performance Centre, after that I was hooked and I haven’t looked back since.”
When receiving the call from UKFC in regards to your involvement on their 19th show to date, what drew you in to make your debut for one of the UK’s finest regional MMA organisations?
“I have wanted to fight on UKFC for a good while now, they always have great matchups and I know a lot of the top amateurs in the country have competed on it. Now it’s time to add my name to its list of top amateurs.”
Would future offers be a tempting notion for you to continue on your amateur journey?
“Certainly, who knows, I would even be open to competing on UKFC under pro rules when I decided to make the switch.”
At the Riva Showbar in Preston, You are set to go head to head against MMA Academy Liverpool’s Layton Kane. A trio of appearances for UKFC and a holder of fine KO power, gives the fans of Preston a great insight into his intentions come fight night. Have you had the opportunity to do some research on your opponent leading up to your scheduled debut?
“I have seen a couple of his fights so I know what to expect, he’s a good all-rounder, but so am i.”
Without giving too much away what steps have you been taking to make sure you walk out with your arm raised and a W on your record?
“I’m just gonna go in there like I always do and force my will on him. I’m confident that if I land a shot on anyone, they are going down. It’s as simple as that.”
Other than your inclusion on the night, are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing for the already stacked UKFC19 Card?
“I am looking forward to watching my teammates Macaulay Donnelly and Kenny Whitworth who are also competing on the night, expect fireworks from those two also, both great matchups again.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“Just a thank you to everyone buying tickets and the whole of Rochdale who always bring the noise, let’s take the roof off!”
Tickets are available now so get in contact and secure your place at what’s set to be a sold-out return to the Riva Showbar in Preston. Alternatively, the event will be streamed live on PPV via MMA TV
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