Joshua ‘Flash’ Onwordi 2-3-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. He has competed for Cage Warriors South East, Cage Warriors and is making his international debut for Venator FC Saturday, May 14th.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Joshua, and also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for the Venator 11 card.
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the cage?
“Training camp has gone well, considering the short amount of notice I accepted this fight on. I got the news while I was on a work trip in Turkey and decided to knuckle down and enter the fighter’s mentality ASAP.”
It’s been 2 months since fight fans had the pleasure of witnessing you in action. Back in March 2021 taking on Kye Stevens in what the CWSE27 Crowd will not soon forget. A controversial end, but a phenomenal performance not the less. How did you feel after the show?
“Thank you! Unfortunately, after a solid first round where I believe it was in my favour, I had suffered a vital eye poke, resulting in a no contest. Although it was frustrating being out of training to recover, I still managed to keep my fitness up in other areas that support the combat game.”
What have you been up to since that epic showdown in Colchester?
“I have taken some time to get back in grips with my love for grappling, competing and coaching teammates on some of the local tournaments.”
Without a doubt, the CWSE fans will be looking forward to your return to compete one day in the not so distant future. Should the opportunity arise during the 2022 calendar, would you grab the opportunity to compete once again?
“I would absolutely compete on the show again. The event is run to perfection and as a fighter, I find that the respect and care that the team provided is outstanding. Most importantly, I get to put on a performance in my hometown. Nothing more I could ask for.”
The wait is finally over, you set your sights on international organised violence in Italy. Taking on Michael Pagani at an action-packed night for Venator 11. This being your 1st outing outside of the UK MMA scene, was this a difficult decision to make?
“The attitude of this show is what gave me the instant drive to accept. Yes, it’s my first outing abroad but I’m sure none of that will affect my performance in any way. I can’t wait for this battle.”
Your career thus far has shown that you are always looking to compete against top tier competitors in the proverbial Lion’s den in the UK. Italy seems to be no exception, what drives you to take on some of the most talented competitors in the fight game?
“I guess it just comes from the belief I have in myself being put above what my opponent may look like on paper.”
Pagani brings with him an unblemished professional record with a hat trick of victories since turning pro back in 2019. What do you make of your opponent leading up to your scheduled meeting?
“Hats off to him and the way he has handled his career so far, however, on Saturday, I believe he will have something in front of him that he has never experienced.”
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?
“There are far too many names I would love to shout out but I don’t think I could get through them all. So I’d like to start with my jiu-jitsu coach Michael Russell, who has been the main man behind my skills from the very first day. To Jack Mason at BKK for getting me involved with the Venator organisation and working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything always runs to plan. not only with this but also with CWSE. Massive thank you Darren O’Gorman for dropping all his plans to fly out and lead the way to victory for me in Italy. Last but not least, to all my training partners and coaches that have made me the fighter I am today. If we have ever crossed paths and shared a friendly punch-up that includes you too.”
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