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John Nicholls – “I’m a totally different animal”

John ‘No Mercy’ Nicholls 4-3-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Welterweight division, representing Keddles Gym. He has competed for UCMMA, BAMMA, MTK MMA, Fusion FC and Bellator MMA.

 

I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me today John, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the Contenders 33 card.

 

I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the cage.

 

“Yeah, the training camp has been going fantastically. Obviously, I haven’t had too long to prepare, but I am at my fullest potential, I feel strong. Many people know of my gym, Keddles Gym. We’re known for Thai fighting and MMA. We got some of the biggest stars in the sport. We also have Sam Shackleton who’s a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he’s my BJJ coach. He’s been working with me a lot recently, my ground game has gotten a lot stronger because of it.”

 

 

It’s been two years since we last saw you in action, no doubt we are going to witness an entirely different warrior out there. For the readers, could you elaborate on what you’ve been up to since your last walk to the cage, and what your intentions are upon your return?

 

“If people think I’ve taken two years out and not done anything, they’re gonna have the shock of their lives. I’m a totally different animal, if they thought I was good before, I’ve covered all areas before I return to the cage this time. My intentions are to take out any person that stands in front of me, any person at all. And if you want it, you can get it.”

 

 

I for one am glad to see you back, it’s always great to witness a return, from what I’ve heard all in attendance at the Crystal Palace National Sports don’t wanna blink for this one.

 

Showcasing your prolific arsenal across many of the UK’s finest organisations, fight fans will be elated on hearing the news of your return to the lion’s den. What did it mean to you When receiving the call from Contenders to once again put on the 4oz gloves?

 

“Yeah, it means the world to me man, I’ve missed the sport. I get the chance to put them 4oz gloves on again and do some damage, it’s the sport that I love and have been involved in for many years. I’m gonna continue to grow, continue to keep coming.”

 

As well as a strong gym, and a successful camp, strong representation is also key to success in the brutal yet exhilarating world of mixed martial arts. Alpha Talent Management strives itself in giving gifted amateurs and well-rounded professionals such as yourself the best opportunities possible to succeed in their quest for Glory.

 

What does it mean to you to be represented by Martin Ireland and his team?

 

“To be represented by Martin Ireland and ATM oh it means the world. I’ve always been loyal to ATM, they’ve always been good to me, we have a strong team and I’m looking forward to going out there and making them proud.”

 

 

I’ve had the opportunity to speak to many fighters under the ATM banner and Martin also, you can see the dedication to each and every athlete he and the team has.

 

With everything set in place, we are now just nine days out from what is set to rumble the very foundations of the capital when Contenders return to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. John will take on Luke Dyson, and what a collision it will be.

 

 

Contenders return to London is once again set to be one of the biggest nights of MMA in the capital, many exceptional amateurs and well-rounded professionals such as yourself are set to take centre stage on the London-based organisations 33rd card to date. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?

 

“I’m highly anticipating the Harry Davies fight my ATM teammate. Looking forward to him bringing back the Lightweight Title, I wish him all the best.”

 

I’ve had a couple of opportunities to witness Harry out there, he really gives the crowd a war out there, highly looking forward to his Main-Event inclusion also.

 

It’s been a pleasure speaking with you today John 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?

 

“Big shout-out to my team at Keddles gym, to everyone that helped me prepare. My wife Rebecca who’s been looking after me and a massive shout-out to ATM for giving me the opportunity at Contenders, I’ll see you all next week.”

 

Tickets are still available from the fighters for what’s set to be a night of pure unadulterated organised violence in the capital. Also available from the Contenders Website here. Also available on PPV with MMATV here.

 

Feature Image and training images by Ben Lucas King

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