Cage Warriors Unplugged makes it’s long awaited return to the BT Sports Studios on November 20th for the CW147 card, and will play host to a barn burner of a bout between current Flyweight Champion Sam Creasey taking on Shajidul Haque.
I caught up with Sam, as he prepares to once again take on one of the UK’s hottest talents.
Sam ‘Urai’ Creasey (16-4-0) is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Flyweight division, representing Elite Training Centre Leighton Buzzard. He has competed for Fight UK MMA, the United Kingdom Regionals, KnuckleUp MMA, Made4TheCage and Cage Warriors and is the current holder of the Cage Warriors Featherweight World Championship.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to speak with me again today Sam, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the CW147 card.
“Absolutely no problem mate, Always a pleasure”
Recently successful in defending your Flyweight Championship back in September at CW142, another blockbuster is in store for fight fans in November. How has training been going in the build-up to yet another confirmed title defence for yourself?
“Training’s been pretty good, to be honest I don’t really change too much in and around fight camp as such. I will just up the intensity of some of the sessions that I’m trying to get to, the sparring will have a bit of performance based work in there. When I’m grappling obviously out of camp, I have a lot more to play with, when I’m in camp, I’m looking to be more performance based. But you know, it’s always good, I’m always training, I’m always trying to improve.”
From what I’ve seen, you’re a highly dedicated athlete with strong perseverance to your craft.
“Thank you man.”
Your very welcome mate.
Your time under the CW banner has given each and every packed out arena some memorable moments and high quality highlight reels. As you edge closer to your 16th appearance for Graham Boylan’s promotion, Is there a moment on your Cage Warriors journey that will always hold a special place for you?
“It’s very difficult to pick one, very, very difficult to pick one because every fight has a little story to it. There’s been ups and downs to my career, my career has been like a rollercoaster hahaha. What I have enjoyed about this part of my career is the experience I’m getting, I’m learning on the job all the time. I’m going back and giving the youngsters I train with the knowledge and experience so they don’t have to go through the same things I’ve been through, so they don’t make the same mistakes. A stand out moment was my debut, it was a big one in Wales. The first time Cage Warriors was on UFC Fight Pass that was cool, me and Chris were bumped up at the last minute to open the main card. It was a lot of pressure, but we put on a great fight there, that was one of the biggest moments for me. The title fights to obviously, my last fight was a great performance, but being the main event I don’t think I really got to enjoy it as much as I could have possibly done back in London at the 02, with all the fans there. But the Welsh guys did support me really well haha. When I look back there’s big moments that always stand out, like when I lost to Samir Faiddine, I made a big point of going outside afterwards to show my face and making sure I went and thanked everybody that came to watch and support me. It’s an emotional rollercoaster man haha.”
I’ve noticed you do give a lot of time for the fans at events, which they really do appreciate. And Warriors such as yourself showing the youngsters the ropes, I’m sure they will have a prosperous future ahead of them. The amateurs on the scene at the moment are absolute killers.
“Thanks man, I try my best. They’re dangerous haha, dangerous guys hahaha.”
Definitely.
Amongst these epic encounters, your war with Luke Shanks is a bout many fans will pray to witness once again, is this something that they can look forward to in the future?
“I probably would, I think he probably would have as well, but I think our careers are going in very different directions at the minute, he’s moved up a weight class. number one, he looks very good at the weight class number 2 he’s got a fight against a very good opponent. If he comes out victorious then I would expect him to get a call up to the UFC. It’s always gonna be a fight that I’d like to run back to because we are one a piece now so it’s something I’d always wanna do again. But I don’t think it’s gonna happen anytime soon, I wish him the best success he gets.”
A very admirable statement pal.
Shajidul Haque has proved in recent years to be one of the biggest rising stars on the UK scene, it was enviable that we’d one day see him compete once again on the big stage at Cage Warriors. And to have his 1st opportunity back in a title fixture will come to no surprise to the UK fan base. What are your thoughts on Shajidul as preparations get under way for your scheduled second meeting on November 20th?
“He’s a veteran of the sport, he’s very good. When we first fought, he really dominated me in that fight. I had a very small window of success that night, but it was all Shajidul’s way. I’ve watched his fights on and off occasionally when they pop up on my news feed on Facebook or something, he’s doing fantastic. He dominated Samir Faiddine in his last fight, I’ve lost to Samir as well. I think he’s gonna come in with a lot of confidence, he knows what he’s very good at, I’m looking forward to rising to the challenge.”
As soon as I saw the announcement I was in high anticipation for it, it’s gonna be great to see you guys go to war again.
What can the fans come to expect when the cage doors close at the BT Sports Studios?
“Hmmm, that’s a hard one hahaha, I don’t even think my coaches know what’s gonna happen when I’m in there hahaha. Hopefully a nice polished performance, but probably something more chaotic. I know Shajidul has been after this fight for a while and it’s not one I’ve shied away from. We’re gonna go in there, we’re gonna go to war and we’ll see who the better man is on the night.”
It’s gonna be one hell of a fight, I’ve entered the competition to try and be in attendance for it.
“Ah wicked man.”
Hopefully I get to witness you guys out there live.
“Hahaha, fingers crossed mate.”
A defending champion is the true definition of giving the fans exactly what they want from a fighter, was it always your intention to defend the strap so soon after your victory over Stipe Brčić?
“Yeah, I believe so. This year has been a bit of a slow year, I had a couple of opportunities where I thought I was gonna fight, but they kinda fell away. I was always set to return, as long as I came out injury free from my last fight, I was gonna be ready to go again straight away. I’m always gonna call for the UFC but if they don’t come calling, I’m straight back in there ready to fight again because that’s what I do hahaha. That is exactly what I do, I get back in the gym, I train and then I compete.”
I hope the UFC do come calling for you in the not too distant future mate, they’d be foolish not to in my opinion.
“Thank you.”
The BT Sports Studios is once again set to play host to yet another night of pure unadulterated organised violence when CW Unplugged makes its highly anticipated return. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I don’t think I’ve seen any fights announced for the Unplugged as of yet. I am looking forward to Jordan and Paul Duke it out again at CW145. That is gonna be a great fight, the atmosphere is gonna be nuts, I’m looking forward to that like crazy.”
One hundred percent, I was at Jordan’s last fight at CW134, that was absolutely manic. I got soaked in beer from head to toe when he won the fight.
“Hahahaha, oh Jeez.”
It’s been a pleasure speaking with you again Sam, and I wish you all the best for November.
“Thank you very much mate.”
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?
“I’d like to shout-out to all my sponsors, all my supporters, all my fans and my family. Also, everybody that has supported me on this journey at any time in my life. I really appreciate it, I’m very thankful to you all. For anyone that will be tuning in, it will be chaotic, I will do my absolute best to fight and bring home that belt once again.”
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