The 2023 MMA calendar has kicked off with such an explosion and it’s only gonna get better. for the amateur MMA practitioners, to Boxers and K1 warriors on the UK scene, in just under 3 weeks they get to showcase there in the ECMMA cage.
Amongst the talent that will be on show at the Casino Rooms in Rochester will be GB Top Team’s Kerensky Fernandes, who is eager to get back into the proverbial lion’s den on February 5th.
I took a trip down to GB Top Team today to catch up with Kerensky as she prepares to take her 1st walk to the cage since October 2022.
Kerensky Fernandes (1-1-0) is an Indian amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Strawweight division, representing Great Britain Top Team. Kerensky has competed for Olympus Fight Series, Pallas Athena Women’s Fighting Championship and is set to make her debut for ECMMA on February 5th.
I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me today Kerensky, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the ECMMA February 5th card.
“Thank you”
You’re very welcome.
I hope training has been going well in the build-up to your return to the cage?
“Oh yes of course, it’s been full on. After my previous fight in August I haven’t had a fight, I was supposed to be fighting at Cage Warriors South-East 29 back in October but I had a mini injury so I’ve been out. But I’ve just got back training, found out I’ll be fighting and I’ve just been full on with it, it’s been going great.”
Glad to hear the injury wasn’t too serious, I was looking forward to catching you out there at CWSE, glad to see you back at it.
Each camp has its own trials, lessons learned and brings forth a new approach and new characteristics towards the enviable night of violence.
GB Top Team have helped mould you into the practitioner you are today, what does it mean to you to have such a dedicated team behind you as you venture on your amateur career?
“Being an amateur, this is the facility to be at, this is the one and only place, because they really are the best in the industry. The coaches and training partners are all great help, me being here is the best decision I’ve made. I’ve been with Brad since Stronger MMA, I moved with Brad here as soon as GB Top Team was established. It’s moulded me greatly, from not knowing anything about MMA to doing what I’m doing now, is huge.”
You’ve been with Brad a long time then, I completely agree, the team really are exceptional moulding prolific fighters.
Since taking your 1st step in the lion’s den back in 2021, you have encountered each aspect of the fight game, Victory, defeat, injuries and a bout cancellation within your career. No doubt each of these encounters, no doubt, has shaped you into the warrior that will step into the casino rooms in Rochester for the next stage of your career.
As February 5th draws near, and you look back on what has transpired thus far, a career spanning across the UK to Canada, what have you taken from the past 3 years in the fight game?
“I’ve learned a lot. Each fight has been a learning experience, with its own advantages and disadvantages, you always learn from every fight. Me being an amateur, even from my previous loss I’ve learned from, a split decision but it was a learning experience.”
That was a very close bout indeed, and fighting in Canada with PAW FC must have been a great experience?
“Of course, it was a very good experience. Everything was taken care of, the organisation from the staff was amazing. For me as an amateur fighter, being treated like I was a pro was really nice.”
The cage beckons once again, this time the ECMMA cage is the stage. It must be an amazing feeling to once again take the walk to the cage, especially at a place where so many of your teammates before you, have gone to war?
“Of course, 100 percent. It’s always good to fight. It’s a different feeling because you never know what’s coming next, especially fighting with the team as the whole team’s gonna be there, Brad’s gonna be there, it’s such a nice feeling.”
I can imagine, as you have others from the gym competing on the night also.
In just under 3 weeks you are possibly set to take on your biggest test to date, when taking on IPC Wrexham’s Hayleigh Heather. A competitive opponent that has taken part in the IMMAF‘s, and Championship bouts across her career.
What do you make of Hayleigh, as you prepare to collide in Rochester?
“As amateurs, we don’t really know too much about our opponents, but I’ll be training hard for the fight. She’s got good experience, so she’s gonna come with her best game and I’m gonna come with my best game. Whether it’s standing or on the ground, I’ll be bringing my best game. I’ll be looking forward to putting on a proper show out there, showcasing all the experience I’ve gained. I’ve been training for so long with Brad and the team, and I’m gonna put it all out there.”
It’s definitely a standout bout on the card, I’ll definitely be looking forward to witnessing it.
“Hahaha, thank you.”
Anytime.
In true GB Top Team fashion, you will not be alone on the card representing. Other than your inclusion on the night, are there any of your teammates matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I train with Frankie a lot, so definitely his fight. He’s been a great training partner for me, and of course everyone else’s bout, I’m looking forward to everyone’s fights. They’re my teammates and I want everyone to rise up along with me hahaha.”
It must be great to all be competing together again.
“In my first fight, I had a bunch of them on the card also, it was an amazing time. The whole vibe changes, because they’ve had so much experience and they bring the best out of you.”
100 percent, I’ve been lucky to have caught many of their fights live, it’s always been a great show with GB Top Team’s warriors in attendance.
It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today Kerensky, and I wish you all th3 best with your continued training and wish you all the best for February.
“Thank you, it’s been great speaking with you too.”
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?
“No shout-out just yet as it’s only the start of my career hahaha, and I don’t know too much about it. To the fans, I’m gonna put on my best show. everyone that’s gonna tune in look out for me, because I’m gonna come out for a fight.”
Catch Kerensky and many more phenomenal warriors take centre stage at what’s shaping up to be an incredible fight card on February 5th at the Casino Rooms in Rochester. Tickets will be made available from the fighters as well as from ECMMA Facebook page here, and the ECMMA Instagram page here.
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