Bellator lightweight contender Tim Wilde has made his aims of being the champion at 155 lbs well-known for a long time now.
The Englishman has fought within the promotion since May, 2019, and his professional record currently stands at 15-4-1, including a number of impressive victories.
Since losing on his debut to former lightweight belt-holder Brent Primus, Wilde has remained unbeaten, winning three and drawing one of his last four outings.
This run of form has resulted from a few reasons in his eyes, and puts much of the success down to remaining active.
He said: “I think a massive part of it is momentum and consistency. I’ve had periods of bad luck throughout my career with injuries, although that’s no excuse because you do get them in this sport.
“One thing I’ve felt that’s helped over my last three or so fights is having that consistency: two fights a year, having a camp, assessing the fight and then growing from there.
“I just haven’t taken my foot off the gas really. With COVID and injuries there was a period of time when I couldn’t keep that momentum.
“I’ve also taken on new coaches that have just improved my striking even more, so overall that’s where I’d say it comes from.”
Wilde fights out of Team Renegade, an MMA gym based in Wolverhampton, famous for being the training ground for a number of talented professional fighters, including current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
Following on from a several year stay at UTC Staffs (an other Wolverhampton-based gym), the 35-year-old fully committed to life at Renegade in 2019 after an invitation from ‘Rocky‘.
Wilde has sinced reaped the rewards, and feels blessed that he’s a vital part of such a successful team based in his hometown.
When talking about the benefits of Team Renegade, he said: “It’s a blessing really. You’ve got top level fighters from all promotions, we’re all on the same mission, we all want to be the very best in the division in our promotions.
“I’m very lucky because there’s a lot of lightweights, welterweights and featherweight, a lot of guys around my category like Arnold Allen, Jai Herbert, Leon Edwards, just to name a couple.
“I’m lucky I get to train with these guys every week and continue building my craft and chasing greatness.”
Wilde, a former Cage Warriors and FCC fighter, is widely known for having a well-rounded MMA skillset.
With a background in traditional martial arts alongside multiple titles in karate, he has managed to blend these roots well with other aspects of mixed martial arts.
Wilde, however, believes his forte lies within his stand-up game, although remains well aware of his talent in other areas.
He said: “I like to think of myself as a well-rounded fighter, in the gym and in fights I show that I am. But at heart I’m a striker.
“I started striking at a very early age, I think seven, with Karate. I was European champion, British champion numerous times. That was my passion, I did that up until I was 20.
“In most of my fights I’m always looking to get to my feet and strike. There’s a joke in the gym that I’ve never tried to hit a double leg takedown in any of my fights!
“Once I get in there, striking is where I feel most comfortable.”
Looking ahead to the future, Bellator have announced their upcoming Dublin card, taking place on February 25 next year.
Wilde had previously hinted at an appearance at the event, posting a cryptic video on Instagram back in mid-November.
Revelations have since arisen, however, with his name nowhere to be seen on the planned card. With the event taking place in just over two months, it seems improbable that Wilde will be fighting at 3Arena, Dublin.
The Englishman discussed the chances of an appearance in Dublin, stating:
“Unfortunately, it’s not looking likely. Bellator are aware that I want on that, and they know that I keep myself ready so I can make weight on two or three weeks’ notice.
“Throughout the end of January or start of February, I will start to push it up a notch in regards to fitness, just in case someone drops out.
“I know Peter Queally in on there, but the likelihood of me fighting him is quite low. He’s a smart fighter, he wants to get out there and win again so I can’t imagine he’ll injure himself in camp, but you never know.
“I would love to step in and fight Queally, he’s ranked top 10 (lightweights) as well and I keep shouting for these top 10 guys.
“So yeah, unfortunately it’s not looking likely, but never say never.”
Wilde does hope to return to the octagon within the first quarter of 2023, but also realises pre-June may be more of a realistic target given the Bellator schedule.
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