Callum Haughian 6-3-0 is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Featherweight division, representing Great Britain Top Team. He has competed for Lion Fighting Championships, Killacam Promotions, Shock n’ Awe, Ambition Fight Series and Fightstar Championship.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Callum, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming Featherweight title fights at Fightstar Championship 22.
Could you give the readers a bit of a run down as to how training is going in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the cage?
“Thank you, yeah training is going really well. I know it sounds cliche, but I do think this is the best I’ve ever felt for a fight so it will be good to see how it translates in the fight.”
It must be such a confidence booster to be under the guiding hand of some of the country’s finest coaching staff at Great Britain Top Team. What does it mean to you to be part of the well-oiled machine that is GBTT?
“Yeah it’s great to have such great coaches and training partners, it definitely gives you a lot more confidence going into the fight knowing that you have that.”
It’s an absolutely stacked card from top to bottom, having so many of your teammates fighting on the same card must be a phenomenal feeling?
“Yeah, it’s good to have people from your gym fighting on the same card, especially building up to the fight. You know we’re all training and trying to peak at the same time so everyone’s in good form getting each other ready for our respective fights.”
Set to fight for this prestigious title back at the tail end of 2021 at FSC 20, unfortunately, this did not come to fruition. As many warriors competing know, anything can happen in the build-up. It must feel so good to be able to run it back?
“Yeah, it was a shame as I was in very good shape at the time and had prepared well for that fight. I got a bad injury and it happens you know, I wouldn’t pull out unless it was really bad and had no choice. I tried to do everything possible to stay on but it just wasn’t possible. I couldn’t walk, but it’s good to be back 100% and now fighting for the title again.”
A new date for title contention brings a new opponent across the lion’s den. You are set to face off against Stiven Shehu, a holder of immense cage time (for an amateur), as many of Stiven’s outings have gone to distance in the cage. What do you make of Stiven in the build-up to your scheduled collision in the cage?
“From what I’ve seen, which isn’t much, to be honest, he looks decent. I don’t really know what constitutes immense cage time but tapology says he’s had four fights that have gone the distance. I know it can be a little different in other countries so not really sure how much experience he’s actually had. by the looks of it, he’s had a bit more than what tapology says but this is going to be my 10th fight, and I have had a few kickboxing fights and so many Jiu-jitsu matches as well. not sure if he’s had as much experience as I’ve had but as a whole, I think he’s a good fighter and will bring a good challenge regardless of how much experience either of us has had.”
Without giving too much away, what steps have you been taking to make sure you walk out of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre with your area raised, as well as the Fightstar Featherweight Championship around your waist?
“Just by preparing as hard as possible, not cutting any corners in training, always looking for the hardest rounds and training with the best guys. I’m training with UFC, Cage Warrior champions, and Bellator fighters every day so I think I’m preparing well.”
Many well-rounded professionals and extraordinary amateurs such as yourself are set to take centre stage on what’s been tipped to be Fightstar’s most explosive card to date. 5 title fights, crown off the exceptional card that had been put together by Raj Singh and his team for a night of pure unadulterated organised violence.
Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I’m really looking forward to watching all my teammates fight but I have to admit, I’m most excited to watch Vad and Sabir go at it. it has definitely got to be one of the most exciting fights, and I’m really looking forward to watching it, especially being that I’ve trained with both guys. Obviously training with Vad now but not too long ago I was training with Sabir as well, so I know how good of a fight this is going to be. But yeah, there are loads of fights I’m looking forward to watching, and for everyone that’s going to be there, it’s going to be a great night of fights.”
I wish you all the best for the 15th Callum 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?
“Thank you, and yeah, to all my coaches and training partners that have helped me get ready for this fight. That took the time out to help me get prepared for it, it means a lot to have this. For the fans in attendance, make sure you don’t miss my fight, I go for the finish every time. Go look at my record on tapology, I don’t go to a decision. I’ve gone out there and finished every fight I’ve ever won, MMA/kickboxing/Jiu-jitsu. They’ve all been finishes, and July 15th that won’t change.”
Tickets are still up for grabs for what’s set to be a night of pure unadulterated organised violence at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre for FSC 22. Make sure to grab them while you can, this is definitely one you’ll not want to miss.
Purchase tickets for FSC 22 here 🎟
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