Vida Fighting Championships returns this Saturday for a night of pure unadulterated organised violence at the Wythenshawe Forum Centre in Manchester. Many hometown warriors will be taking centre stage representing Manchester Top Team, but one stands out for many, the return of Lewis Mcgrillen.
I caught up with Lewis as he sets his sights on gold for his return at Vida Fighting Championships 5.
Lewis McGrillen 5-0-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Flyweight division, representing Manchester Top Team. He has competed for MMA Uncaged, Celtic Gladiator, Full Contact Contender and makes his return to Vida Fighting Championship this Saturday for VFC 5.
I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me again today Lewis, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming Championship opportunity on the Vida Fighting Championship 5.
I hope training camp has gone well in the build-up to your scheduled return to the cage?
“Training camps gone well, there’s no easy days off at Manchester top team, I’m always training all year round, always ready for a fight.”
From all I’ve seen from the team, you all are very dedicated and push each other to the limits.
Only starting out on your professional journey midway through 2021, you have hit the pro scene by storm, securing 5 out of 5 victories and culminating an unblemished record thus far.
It must be a tremendous feeling to have continued on from your highly successful amateur career?
“During the transition from amateur and pro I feel like I could finally let go more, watching my transition from an amateur being a boy beating up men to now my skill sets solidifying and becoming a man fighting with men. It’s mint to transition and carry on the good records, from being UK fighting championship and ICFC champion on the regional scene as an amateur, I now feel like I’m ready to collect my first professional title on the regional scene.”
I’ve followed you for a while and I have to say, your one of the UK’s top practitioners in my opinion.
Out of these 5 bouts, each with their own notable moments, have left fans with many memories as you continue on your professional journey.
Is there a particular bout that will always hold a fond memory for you as you prepare to make your 6th walk to the cage as a pro on Saturday?
“One of the main things I hold on to dearly was the Bastos fight hosted in Wythenshawe, my home town. The hype, the weigh-ins, the finish, the graft all of it will be one of the core memories of my first time fighting in wythenshawe. that’s 1 Brazilian I killed off, second one pending on Saturday, guy has no idea what he’s heading for.”
I’ve watched that bout a few times, I can see why it’s your favourite. A pure and dominant performance.
Vida Fighting Championships will end the year with a bang, Saturday’s violent festivities will conclude with a double card by your head coach Carl Prince.
It must be a great feeling to once again take part, as well as being in familiar territory in Manchester?
“Yeah of course, this is the 3rd fight I’m headlining in my hometown in wythenshawe, and I’m gonna blow the roof off.”
A golden opportunity awaits you at the Wythenshawe Forum Centre, what would it mean to you to end the 2022 MMA calendar with the gold?
“It’s belting to end the year on a good note becoming champion in my home town once again, in front of all my people.”
You are set to take centre stage against Romero Miranda Rosario Dos Reis, the Brazilian powerhouse making his debut trip to the UK, bringing a 9-6 record.
What do you make of Rosario in the build-up to your collision in the Vida cage?
“I think Romero is very wild and semi unpredictable to most, however he can’t keep up what he’s doing for long times. He’s coming over with the mentality of praying to god to save him so the man will be done in 1 round. I will send him to the afterlife if he really wants.”
I definitely recommend anyone in attendance that hasn’t had the opportunity to catch you out there, to not blink.
With many of your teammates in attendance, you must be in high anticipation for not just your inclusion, but there’s also. Is there a particular bout that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“There’s a couple of fights I’m excited to see, all of them. Actually I can’t lie, I’ll be sticking around for as long as I can watching them all until I warm up.”
I’m definitely looking forward to your teammate Joffie Kingsley return, his return to the cage has been a journey, and he always puts in 100 percent.
I wish you all the beat for Saturday mate, and I look forward to witnessing you out there.
“Thanks mate, I’ll see you Saturday.”
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?
“My message for the fans, just to let you know I have love for you all, we’re ready to go to war. This Brazilian is a dead man walking in wythy.”
Catch Lewis and many more phenomenal warriors take centre stage at what’s shaping up to be an incredible fight card this Saturday at the Crystal Wythenshawe Forum Centre in Manchester. Tickets will be made available from the fighters as well as the Vida Fighting Championship team here.
And will also be available on PPV on LIVEMMA.
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