A mixture of different styles of the fight game is always a joy to see, and Ian Freeman and his team have delivered just that in recent years.
They look to kick-start 2023 with more of the same, as preparations are underway for yet another night of pure unadulterated organised violence on their upcoming card on March 11th.
Amongst the vast talent in action will see the return of Nicola Knight, making her K1 debut against Morris Martial Arts Sinead Lavin, also debuting under the K1 rule set.
I caught up with Nicola, as preparations are well underway for her return to combat.
Nicola Knight (1-5-0) is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Atomweight division, representing Spartan MMA. Nicola has competed for Shogun MMA, Cage Warriors South-East, Almighty Fighting Championship and returns to Machine MMA on March 11th making her K1 debut.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to speak with me today Nicola, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the March Machine MMA card.
“Oh thank you.”
My pleasure Nicola.
I hope training has been going well as you prepare to return to the fight game?
“Yeah, definitely. I’m loving being back, I’ve just had a baby so I’m eager to get back in. It’s given me a bit more motivation to up my game.”
Last we saw in action back at the start of the 2022 MMA calendar in victorious fashion over Michaela Petaroudi, at Almighty Fighting Championship 22. How does it feel to be back doing what you love, after just over a year out?
“I absolutely love it, I really feel like myself when I’m training. It’s my world you know what I mean, ao ita really good to get back, I just love it hahaha, I’m excited.”
Hopefully back to winning ways also, your bout at Almighty was definitely one of my fights of the night.
“Thank you so much, I needed that win as well, it was a really special day.”
Definitely a well earned one.
“Thank you.”
Looking to return, there must have been many potential opportunities. Was a K1 bout at Machine MMA an offer you just couldn’t refuse?
“To be honest, I’ve always wanted to do a stand-up bout, as all my fights have been MMA. I’ve been eager to have a K1 fight, this one came along and I took it with both hands really. I’m really looking forward to it, it’s probably my favourite aspect of the sport.”
It’s good to gain some experience in the different aspects of the sport, will do wonders for your figjt experience.
“Oh 100 percent yeah, definitely.”
As the 2023 MMA calendar kicks into gear, can the fans look forward to catching you out there more?
“Yeah definitely, I wanna have a busy year. I wanna compete as much as I can. Obviously, see what my coach thinks, see what’s about but I’m dying to get stuck back in.”
I bet, and there’s plenty of things going about on the UK scene at the moment.
“Oh yeah, there’s a load of really good shows, so I’ll hopefully be looking to get stuck into some of them.”
Looking ahead, your return see’s you take on Morris Martial Arts Sinead Lavin. Both taking your respective 1st recorded K1 bouts, this is gonna be one to look out for as it will be an unpredictable collision.
What do you make of Sinead as you prepare to collide on March 11th?
“To be honest, I don’t really know that much about her but I’m looking forward to getting in there with her. She’s from a good gym so it will be a tough fight, I’ve just got to prepare the best I can and hopefully we put on a good show.”
It’s a great pair up, especially when the records are even. 0 vs 0 will be so unpredictable, I’ll definitely be tuning in for this one.
Ian Freeman and his team have given fight fans some explosive cards over the years, stacked from top to bottom with many variations of the fight game, March 11th will be no exception.
Other than your inclusion on the night are there any announced matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I’ve seen there’s another couple of girls on the same card, one being from Sensei MMA, so I’ll be looking forward to that match-up. Two debuting fighters as well, I always like to watch the girls fight.”
100 percent, there are some explosive ladies in the country. It’s great to see quite a mix-up of different varieties of close combat also, it gives the fans more of a range of the sport.
“Yeah definitely, it’s good to see people’s different styles as well isn’t it.”
Definitely, very similar to ONE Championship’s format.
“Oh I absolutely love ONE Championship.”
Same, I always stay up for the cards, such talent on the roster in many different forms.
It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today Nicola, I wish you all the best for the remainder of your training and I wish you all the best for March.
“Thank you so much, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you too.”
Anytime Nicola.
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 Spartan MMA, got some fantastic teammates there, we’re all looking forward to having a busy year and looking forward to what’s to come in 2023. For the fans that will be in attendance, hopefully we’ll put on a good show for you all, there’s some good fights, I cannot wait to get back in there for my K1 debut.”
Catch Nicola and many more phenomenal warriors take centre stage at what’s shaping up to be an incredible fight card when Machine MMA returns on March 11th at The Fed. Tickets will be made available from the fighters to also grab your tickets, please head over to www.machinemma.co.uk, the website shall be up and running within the next few days.
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