Taylor Sullivan is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist debuting in the Welterweight Division, representing LD Fighters. He holds a 2-1 kickboxing record, 2-0 boxing and is a M.A.S.S.I.F national Kickboxing silver medalist! He is due to make his amateur MMA debut at CW Academy Wales 7 on June 25th.
I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Taylor, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion in the CW Academy Wales 7 card.
“Thank you mate, proper excited to get in that cage on a card like this one!”
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your scheduled return to the cage?
“Training camp has been perfect so far, I’ve been preparing for this way before I was even offered the fight. I don’t stop training, we’re a busy bunch at the Den, fights are always around the corner so I stay ready at all times.”
Many exceptional athletes such as yourself have had the opportunity to sharpen your proverbial tools for battle under the watchful eye of Dave Matthews at LD fighters. So many phenomenal fighters such as yourself have been let loose too many MMA organisations across the UK.
What does it mean to you to train under Dave as well as represent LD Fighters as you embark on your Mixed Martial Arts journey?
“I can’t even tell you how much Dave does for us fighters, It’s quality. I made the switch to Lions Den in December and was taken in from the get-go. Having all that experience and skill on the mats every day has taken me to levels I didn’t think were possible in such a short amount of time. To be able to represent the team for the first time at the end of the month gets me fired up that’s for sure.”
Every athlete in your profession has that one teammate in the gym they call their partner in crime. That one person they just click with and aspire to make each other a better version of themselves. Is this the case for you at LD Fighters?
“Usually that is the case, I’ve had one or two training partners I’d kind of stick with in previous gyms but at the Den, we’re all out to make each other better. I wouldn’t say I have just that one or two anymore everybody gives you something different and shows you areas that can be improved. At the end of the day no matter the size, skill or experience we all have the same goal and that’s to win fights.”
I’ve spoken to many warriors in recent months, each with their own unique story on how they entered the fight game.
To give the fans a bit of insight leading up to July 15th inclusion, what first attracted you to the brutal to enter the world of combat sports?
“Well, I was a rugby player for most of my life from the age of 5 up until I was 18 and played at a good level. But like a lot of teenage lads, I turned my focus on going out drinking and doing stupid shit so stopped playing. I had a year with no sport or any real exercise, I started getting really skinny and just not looking well at all. At the time, I had a mate who used to be a bigger lad, he lost a lot of weight all of sudden and built on quite a bit of muscle. He told me it was because of MMA, so I went to a session with him and that was it. I knew straight away I wanted to make a career out of this sport.”
In just over 3 weeks, you will bring all the hard work to the centre of the cage. Facing off against Welsh prospect Callum Davies, what do you make of Callum in the build-up to your scheduled meeting?
“To be honest I don’t know a huge amount about him. I’m not really fussed about what he’s doing because I have trust in my coach and my skills. That’s not me overlooking the geez, any man willing to get in a cage and fight is tough as fuck in my books. I’m just focused on my game plan and training for this one.”
Amateurs such as yourself push themselves to the absolute limit to gain as much experience on the road to their enviable switch to the professional circuit. CW Academy has to be one of the top platforms, playing host to some of the most explosive fighters the UK MMA scene has had the privilege of witnessing.
Looking ahead, do you plan on making more appearances for CW, and possibly joining the ranks of the main show one day down the road?
“Oh yeah for sure! Like I said before, I want to make a career of this and CW academy is definitely a good root to achieving that. I think any MMA fighter out there would be buzzing to get on a CW main show and I’m no different.”
Many exceptional bouts have been confirmed for CW Academy Wales 7th card to date. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I think the main event is definitely one to watch, both highly talented fighters. All the matchups we have at the Den are a must watch as well but I obviously won’t be able to watch them until the footage is released.”
I wish you all the best for your bout Taylor and I look forward to witnessing your career unfold.
“Thank you bud, you’ll be seeing a lot more of me without a doubt.”
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?
“Yeah, massive shout-out to everyone who will be coming to watch me do my thing and to all the supporters who can’t make it. If it was a more local show we’d be taking over the place hahaha. Also, a massive shout-out to the Sadboysquad for helping me out this training camp, check out their page on Instagram and tune into the podcast.”
Subscribe
