Rob Cunningham 1-1-0 is a Scottish professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Heavyweight Division, representing Trident Martial Arts. He has competed for MMA Uncaged, Megdan Fighting, EFC and is due to make his debut for BKFC on July 16th.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to speak to me today Rob, and also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for the BKFC 27 card.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the phenomenal work you’ve been doing in the build-up to what could be your biggest outing to date. You seem to be 100 percent focused on your task ahead.
To give the fans some insight into your journey to Wembley, could you elaborate for the readers on the work you’ve been doing as you prepare for your July 16th showdown?
“First of all buddy, thank you very much for taking the time to do the interview. It means a lot you reaching out.”
“It’s crazy right? BKFC Wembley! I never planned on fighting in July or close to then. My initial plan was to take a longer break after the disappointment in South Africa, which I’ll elaborate on. I’ve had a lot of issues previously with the mental side of fighting, freezing up before getting into the cage/ring etc. Now I’ve fought some top top guys, I really have. I feel I’ve never ever really been prepared mentally for these fights. It’s something that’s been eating away for a long time, and it built and built. After that horrendous loss in South Africa, I came to the conclusion that I need to make some changes. I Sat down with my coaches and they outlined their thoughts, we all agreed on certain things. By the way, I’d like to thank them, the coaches at Trident and my teammates, they are fucking brilliant and they’ve put me on the right track. Anyway, shortly after the conversations I got injured and messed up the tendons in my arm. So after that, it’s either sit at home and sulk or train in different ways. I took up Yoga, I started mental health therapy, cold water therapy and breathing exercises. I can honestly say it’s helped me so much as a person, not just as a fighter. I feel happy in myself again. The arm healed and I got to work, Prep has been very very good. Not only in a great place with my training but my mindset is stronger than ever too. I’ve also been working very hard on my strength and conditioning training, Chris Redmond has been fantastic in helping me and guiding me.”
I can only guess how much it meant to you when receiving the call to be fighting on one of the biggest stages of them all at Wembley. What was going through your mind when hearing the news?
“It came out of nowhere haha, like I said this was never the plan. however, the opportunity came calling. I spoke to my coaches straight away and they were happy with my training and the changes I made. So more experience on a big show. And, it’s in the Wembley arena!!!! How sick is that haha. Thank you to Andrew Bakewell for sorting it all out!!!”
No stranger to the bare-knuckle circuit, you will have great confidence going into this one no doubt?
“My confidence was shot after the EFC bout, I almost packed it in. Not kidding, I was in a very bad place with all. trolled online, hateful messages and comments from people voicing their negative views. But as explained above, I got off my arse and made the changes I needed to. It’s my career, my life and I’m doing this for me. Opinions do not matter, I’m more confident in myself now than I’ve been in a long time.”
You are set to take on Jack Draper, a heavyweight showdown that will no doubt have fans on the edge of their seats. What do you make of Jack in the build-up to your highly anticipated collision?
“Jack is good. A good boxer, he’s experienced and skilful. I respect his skill set and he seems like a good bloke. This will be some fight. Trust me, that’s what I bring, I’m a fighter, I’m game and as tough as they come bro. And I’ll give this my all. I am up for this. I really fucking am!”
Looking to the horizon after July, your fans will be wondering what’s next on your professional journey. Is it your intention to continue on the bare-knuckle route or will the cage play host once again to your explosive arsenal?
“Well, I’ve signed a 3 fight deal with BKFC so that’s exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. I love MMA and I’ll be working on things until the time is right to get back in the cage. I’ve had 3/4 big fights offered overseas and in the UK but I’m waiting and improving everything I can before I go again.”
Many exceptional collisions are set to shake the very foundations of Wembley stadium on a night of pure unadulterated organised violence on July 16th, other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“There are some BIG fights on this card- one to watch for sure is my good mate Conor Tierney. He’s on the card, he is elite.”
I wish you all the best for July Rob and I look forward to witnessing you out there.
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?
“As always, my first thank you goes to my Mrs for supporting me day in and day out. letting me follow this crazy as fuck life that I do, she’s a star.”
“My friends and family too who support me all the time, the same people over and over, thank you it means the world to me.”
“I’d like to say a special thank you to Trident Martial Arts, Harry, Ste and Tim. These guys have coached me as a fighter and helped me as a friend. Developed me so much in the time I’ve been with them, I feel at home in the gym. They are building such a special gym there with some of the best talent coming through. Graham who has taken me on boxing in the gym too, his knowledge of the sport is fantastic. all the other coaches and training partners, we have a family there! It’s amazing! From the bottom of my heart thank you all.”
“My S&C coach Chris who’s done wonders with me in a short amount of time, and will only progress me even more. Thank you mate.”
“All my sponsors that continue to support me in this. Thank you, it means Everything to me, I mean that.”
“My mindset coach Therapy With Rob, given me a different perspective on life, fighting and I’ve found a love for doing it again, so thank you mate.”
“Lastly, there are a lot out there who want you to fail, to say I told you so, or that are only still watching to see you slip up. I was down and out, the lowest I’ve been because I thought I fucked up and blew it. I’m chasing my dream and doing what I want to do, I’m doing this for me.”
“And of course, thanks for having me Aaron. I really appreciate your time mate.”
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