Dan Vinni 23-17-2 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Light-heavyweight division, representing Team Skynet. He has competed for Gladiator Wars, Extreme Brawl UK, Ultimate Warrior Challenge UK, Fighter Gala, Cage Warriors, the Sweden Regionals, Fight UK, 100% Fight, ProFC, Phoenix MMA UK, Caged Steel, the Bulgaria Regionals, KTMMA, Macto Championships, Combat Performance League, European Breakdown, Bellator MMA, MTK MMA, Spartacus Fighting Championship, UAE Warriors, Parus FC, Supreme CFC, Sparta Fight Knights and is due to make his debut for BKFC on July 16th.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me again today Dan, and also to congratulate you on your recent addition to the BKFC 27 card.
I hope training has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated bout at Wembley?
“Hi mate, great talking with you again, yeah training is going really well and I am excited to get in there.”
Last we spoke was back in April, after taking part in the very different rule set that made up the amazing Sparta Fight Knights.
When deciding the next location to showcase your explosive skill set. Did the drop from boxing gloves for MMA gloves at Sparta encourage the notion to drop the gloves for wraps of BKB?
“Yeah, Sparta was a really awesome show and as I said before, I’m at the stage in my career where I’m just looking at having some exciting fights and mixing up rule sets etc has always interested me.”
“I consider myself a bit of a historian of combat sports and I’m really interested in bringing something a little different to BKFC. saying that I do realise the irony of saying something similar to the old single-digit UFC events where guys would say they’ve invented a new style or something and then get sparked in seconds, haha but I swear I’ve got the new bare-knuckle meta haha #jiuboxfu.”
Not many would turn down the opportunity of competing not just for one of the most notable organisations in combat sports, but also on one of the biggest stages at Wembley arena.
When receiving the call, was this an opportunity that you just couldn’t refuse?
“Most definitely, I’m so grateful to have gotten the call for the opportunity to fight on such a big stage. Which is definitely something I took for granted when I was younger. You know I’ve fought in Wembley before yet I’ve also fought in working men’s clubs in front of 8 people and a Labrador haha. What you do in the fight is important but almost not as important as who was there to see it. So I definitely couldn’t say no to this opportunity, especially with it being in my home city.”
Shortly after the announcement of your inclusion, it was mentioned that this could be your final walk to battle. You have had quite a career in combat sports and no one would begrudge you for this decision.
41 professional bouts across many organisations will always make you remembered as one of the most outstanding individuals the UK fight scene has had the privilege to witness.
Understandably, this couldn’t have been an easy decision to make. When did you decide that this may be the time to hang up the gloves?
“I appreciate that mate but the fact of the matter is I really wasted so much time/opportunity/talent in this game. Like for the last 10 years I’ve been saying “yeah from Monday I’ll take this serious” haha and like most guys that didn’t make millions of dollars from the sport there’s a little bit of bitterness and regret about things but overall I’m content with where I am in my life, and I think it’s time to focus on the next generation and making use of the mistakes I’ve made to advise the youth on not making the same. or this is just a bullshit way to try and drive up ticket sales haha (oh and it’s over 50 MMA fights but Tapology won’t help me out with adding them haha).”
You have graced so many industries as well as different levels of competition since hitting the professional circuit by storm back in 2008. Over a decade has passed and still being in the position to compete is a fine complement to your persistence to strive in the sport you love.
What advice would you give to someone starting their professional career looking to mirror your timeline of going to war in the cage?
“Again, don’t mirror me at all! Haha, I had my first fight at 14/15 so in 2002! But it wasn’t recorded anywhere etc and even that was done without ever even stepping into a gym or anything haha. As you can see I’ve thought a lot about this. so bare with me haha. My strongest advice would be, to know what you’re getting into. It can be a hard/dangerous life and I’m not sure some people really know the extent. Secondly, find a good team that has your best interests at heart. Try and Build a brand first. I know guys who made high 4 figure paydays purely because they have a couple of followers whereas guys are still 20 years later getting a couple of hundred quid to risk their lives. Lastly, be selfish. I would go into more detail but that’ll be for my self-help book lol.”
It has been tipped to be one of the most exciting cards to date when BKFC returns to London on July 16th. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“Yeah, they haven’t released all the fights yet but I’ve heard some rumours that there’s gonna be some big ones. I think there is some really interesting style vs style matchups, i.e MMA fighter vs Boxer, but you know. I got some crazy shit planned so most importantly watch my fight haha.”
I wish you all the best for Wembley Dan and I look forward to catching up with you 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?
“Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat mate and to get the news out there, I really appreciate your work.”
“I’d just like to thank everyone who’s coming to support me. my family, training partners and sponsors. Much love.”
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