Charlie ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Milner 7-2-0 is an English Professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division. He has competed for Sparta Fight Series, True Champion MMA, ECMMA, UFL, Lockdown Fight Series, Olympus Fight Series, Bellator, Sparta Fight Knights and is making his debut for Fight Nation Championship on June 17th.
I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Charlie and also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for the FNC 6 card.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk to you about one of the biggest fights of my career so far.”
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your return to the cage?
“Camp is going great actually, I’m in the best shape of my career. I’m the lightest I’ve ever fought at, and my body is feeling 100% healthy for the first time in a very long time.”
What has been your main focus as you prepare to go to battle in Croatia?
“My main focus going into this fight has been to not let the occasion and the opponent I am facing go to my head. Previously when I fought against Gokhan Saricam at Bellator, I felt like mentally I wasn’t quite ready for the big show feeling and the step up in competition. And in this fight, as you know, is my biggest challenge to date. I’m facing an absolute legend of the sport in Satoshi Ishii, on an amazing show FNC, so I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on staying mentally grounded and not overthinking the fight and the occasion.”
Many athletes in the fight game have adapted themselves to entering the lion’s den overseas. Many would prefer to compete on home soil but when the opportunity comes knocking, it’s the fight game after all.
Was it a difficult decision to make when receiving the call to fight at FNC 6 for you?
“For me, the decision was very easy when I received the call from FNC. The show itself is unbelievable, I’ve wanted to be a part of it for a while, and then when they mentioned the fight would be against the legend that is Satoshi I couldn’t say yes quick enough. Even to be on the same show as him is an honour.”
Fans of the UK will be eagerly anticipating your return to action after your many battles in the cage have given fans of the UK many fond memories.
Have you got plans to return to action in the UK in the not too distant future, and are there any organisations in particular that you’d like to test yourself with?
“I’d love to return to the UK, as much as I love fighting abroad there is no better feeling than having your home crowd cheer you on as you make the walk to the cage. I hear that PFL is coming to London, I would absolutely love the chance to be involved with that show, if not them then of course I’d love to get a chance to fight for Bellator again. this time, with more than a week’s notice and a 12kg weight cut would be great lol.”
With June 17th fast approaching, the fans of Croatia are once again in store for a night of brutal yet exhilarating Mixed Martial Arts madness when Fight Nation Championship 6 returns to Karlovac. The Heavyweight division has always given fight fans some controversial and unmissable moments in all combat sports; this is definitely not one to be missed.
You are set to take centre stage against Japan’s Satoshi Ishii. An Olympic gold medalist and a veteran in the cage with 39 professional bouts to his record.
What do you make of Satoshi in the build-up to your scheduled meeting in the FNC cage?
“Satoshi is a guy I’ve followed for many years, somebody I respect as a competitor inside the cage and as a gentleman outside the cage. He is always respectful and I would like to be remembered along the same lines as him. As you know he is an Olympic gold medalist in Judo, a BJJ black belt, and a veteran of the game, he is a tough night for anyone. That being said, I’m not coming all the way to Croatia to lose, I know what I bring to the table and I know I’m always a danger to anyone in the division.”
This much is certain, fans are going to be on the edge of their seats in complete awe of the level of talent that will be on show June 17th. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing a good friend of mine Oliver Thompson win the heavyweight title, we train together, we are from the same town, and it will be amazing to have us both get impressive wins on the same show.”
I wish you all the best for June Charlie and I look forward to future announcements as you continue your journey.
“Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it.”
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?
“My only message to any fans I have is I’m not done yet, this is only the beginning. And thank you for all the support so far. I’d love to give a shout-out to my partner Jasmin, she’s been instrumental in getting me physically and mentally prepared for this fight and I can’t thank her enough for everything she does for me, I’m hoping I can repay her by bringing home the win. Also shout-outs to all my amazing sponsors Boss Gym, Prestige security, Clothing kings, Arkham performance, GL fitness, Foreman, Performance fitness gym, First choice security, and Copford sawmill.”
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