Contenders

John ‘No Mercy’ Nicholls 4-3-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Welterweight division, representing Keddles Gym. He has competed for UCMMA, BAMMA, MTK MMA, Fusion FC and Bellator MMA.   It’s great to speak to you again John, I’m just sorry it’s under the circumstances that transpired last night at Contenders 33. Understandably your feelings towards the night and your opponent Luke Dyson will leave a bitter taste.   “Yeah, that’s for definite that it’s going to leave a bitter taste. Unfortunately, You can lead a horse to water mate but you can’t make him drink, same as you can lead a man to the cage but you can’t give him heart.”   I completely agree mate, you showed such great professionalism out there. Not many would go out to the cage and give the reasons behind why you were unable to compete, as well as an apology. That was a very admirable thing to witness.   “I’ve been a professional for a long time, been on some of the biggest shows around. I take this game very seriously, as you saw last night some people can get seriously injured out there. I don’t go put there light hearted, I go out there preparing to die, I go out there preparing for war. I wanna bring a show, I’m not there to just get by or have an easy fight. I’m there for war, to have a war, to entertain the fans and to prove to myself what I’m worth.”   In a heartfelt statement in the cage in London, you apologised to all in attendance for your bout being axed from the card. You showed true decorum out there, turned up, made wait just for your opponent to pull from the fight. What are your feelings on what transpired at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre?   “To be honest, I’ve never really had it happen to me before. I don’t know the boy’s reasons, nobody’s been able to contact him, we don’t know if he’s left the country haha. I don’t believe a fighter like that with no excuse, his whole team couldn’t get hold of him, should be able to fight on shows again. Imagine if I sold hundreds of tickets, that could have really gone wrong last night. I came out to apologise to my fans, I believe it’s my duty as a professional Mixed Martial Artist, to apologise on behalf of the both of us.”     Watching you out there, you can really see what the cancellation did to you, the passion you have for your craft. I can only imagine how you felt.   “I think it’s unelectable and disrespectful to the promoter at Contenders, I think it’s a disgrace to professional Mixed Martial Arts. This is why I called out for the world title, because in a championship bout, there is gonna be someone out there that wants to fight. I’ve had two fighters pull out in a week, my resting heart rate is 40 beats a minute mate, I am as fit as they come. You shouldn’t sign up to be on Contenders, watch my promo of me hitting pads and think oh no, he’s a little too much for me. Don’t sign up for the sport if you can’t be a fighter.”       These sorts of incidents cause so much irreversible damage to so many athletes such as yourself. All the hard work put in in the build-up, the travelling, the weight cut and time away from your family’s.   “We’ve all got family to feed, we’ve all got lives to live. I’ve taken time off of work, I’ve spent money in the gym, I’ve got the beat coaches in the country giving up their time to come and corner me. I’ve a got videographer, I’ve got a documentary coming out very soon. I’ve got all of this happening, people giving up good money to come and watch me, for someone to make an excuse, I would not put any of my fans, friends and trainers through this for nothing. That’s the reason I apologised last night because I felt so sorry for them all, for all we’ve been through this past month.”       You all did turn out in full force as well, it was a shame.   “Yeah, there was a ‘No Mercy’ army there last night. Sporting the t-shirt’s, flying the flag, you’ve seen me fight in the past, you know what I’m about. I come for war, unfortunately people sometimes throw out a white flag.”   Something in the not so distant future should be out in place to make sure these incidents cease to exist. Being in the fight game as long as you have will give you knowledge on what changes you feel should be made no doubt?   “I’m quite a big believer in quite a lot happening at the moment, I’m.doing a documentary at the moment on weight cutting. This boy was quite a big lad he probably couldn’t make the weight, I do believe there should be other other weight categories put in place. Like Catchweight categories ie 80 instead of 77, I do realise that’s a lot of weight to lose, with dehydration there it can cause a lot of damage. This is a professional sport where we have to maintain our health as much as possible. For one came down from 95 kilos, that’s a lot of weight and I did a lot of hard work. I think there should be things put in place where these fighters should be checked, I know some refs won’t even contest these things unless it’s been regulated. You can’t get a journeyman anymore I get that, no one wants one. This should be a two strike deal, if you do this once strike one, you do this twice you should never be able to fight again, it’s what I believe should happen.”   I look forward to your documentary on

The heart of a warrior is a sight to behold, going above and beyond to excel in their craft to pursue their Ultimate dream. Sydney Omar Dacres is a true example of a heart of a warrior, his inclusion to the Contenders 33 card was his 3rd bout in the space of 4 months.   The Diesel standout took on Fight City Gym‘s Kenny Mbongo at the sold out Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in the hopes of securing a hat-trick of victories.     And successful he was, unanimously defeating Mbongo at the end of 2 hard fought rounds in the cage.   I caught up with Sydney at the end of the night to find out exactly what this phenomenal feat means to him.   It’s nice talking with you again Sydney, I’m so glad I caught you. It wouldn’t be a Contenders card without me and you speaking brother.   “It wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t get an interview with you bro, from the first one to the last bro everytime.”   You looked very different out there tonight, we spoke previously before we started this interview and you said your game-plan was changed. For the readers, could you elaborate on how you saw that war going to how it went?   “I saw it going similar to my last outing where I controlled in the centre and I let off my striking. Kenny is really strong, he was running at me and getting those underhooks and trying to take me down. I just went into defence mode, I didn’t get let off as much as I wanted to out there. I was able to catch him with the knees a few times, but by the 3rd I turned into Khabib haha.”   It was definitely on my list of fights of the night.   We spoke previously to this victory, the plan was a hat-trick victories, congratulations man you did it.   “The hat-trick!! We got the hatrick haha.”   What’s next for you on your journey man, there’s a few regional shows coming up, any plans for those?   “I got a good one. Remember when we spoke and I said I’ve always wanted to fight Muay-Thai, I got a Muay-Thai fight on the 1st of October.”   That’s amazing man, that will suit you down to a tee.   “I’m very excited about this one, I’m already preparing man, I’ve been in camp since march. It’s pretty much what I was doing in the cage today. The clinches, the knee’s, making that space and controlling the head.”   Can’t wait for that man, I’m gonna have to come watch you definitely.   “Definitely bro.”   Before you head off, is there anybody like to give a shout-out to?   “Shout-out everyone at Diesel, Shout-out to Shirzad for winning the belt, so proud of him. Shout-out to Dan, I love everyone at the gym, it wouldn’t be possible without them.”

The main event of the evening saw Harry Davies take on Shem Rock for the vacant Lightweight Contenders strap.   It did not disappoint, a new champion was crowned in Next Generation Liverpool’s Shem Rock via KO at Contenders 33.   I caught up with Shem after he celebrated with the crowd in Crystal Palace, to find out what becoming the king of the Lightweight division means to him.   Congratulations on that absolutely incredible win tonight Shem and capturing the Contenders Lightweight Championship. How do you feel after your victory?   “It is one of those init, good to get in and get the 1st round finish, then again it’s a little bit anti-climax because I did all this work for 6 seconds. But I don’t get paid for overtime, people are gonna take notice after this.”   You’ve been on one hell of a journey leading up to this evening, how does it feel to be back on your feet and doing what you love best?   “You know what, I’ve never ever had a weight cut like this, It’s been so good. I’ve always fought at 65 kilos, and I’ve just shown myself that I never wanna do that again, I’m a Lightweight. Wand warming up, I felt better than I feel in the gym almost lad. I knew he was gonna start fast, I normally start slow because I’m doing these big cuts lad. But I knew, I could just feel it in myself that I had to start fast, and I fucking did, start fast finish fast haha.”   It really was a quick bout, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed one over so quickly.   Are you looking to become a defending champion here, are you planning to come back and see what the Contenders roster has for you?   “Money talks, anyone in London can get, so who’s the next big thing and I’ll take him on, who’s paying?”   If you should return I look forward to catching you out there as I’m always about for a Contenders card.   Congratulations once again Shem, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you.   Before I let you go, is there anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?   “Yeah, to all my sponsors. Shout-out to Dublin Combat Academy, Side Mobile Management, Raw Sports, Box Step, Next Generation, Team Budu Jiu-Jitsu, Raine, Keystones Therapy, Cells, MMATV, the New Natural Royal Minerals, Sports for Champions UK. Lots of fucking supports, blah blah blah haha.”

We were treated to 3 title fights at the sold out Contenders 33 card at the Crystal Palace National Sports in London.   One of these being the amateur Lightweight clash between ESKF’s Ali Ortac and Great Britain Top Team’s Jamie Howlett.     The belt came back to ESKF by way of Unanimous Decision and the waste of Ali Ortac.   I caught up with Ali after his 3 round master class in the capital for Contenders 33rd card to date.   Congratulations on that absolutely outstanding victory tonight Ali and becoming the contenders amateur Lightweight champion. How do you feel after your performance out there?   “I didn’t fight for the belt, I didn’t fight to lose. Whenever I’m in a fight, I fight to hurt my opponent. I don’t give a shit about the belt, I’m here to hurt someone. I was very relaxed, you’ve gotta be relaxed out there. if you’re not relaxed in a fight, there’s no point training, you might as well just walk in”   “Everything you’ve learnt flies out the door if you’re not relaxed. So for this camp, I worked on my breathing techniques, relaxation and it helped me sure th3 win nice and easy. All my friends complained that my last fight was over too quickly, so I let this one drag on. If I wanted too I could have taken him down earlier in the fight  and smashed him.”   It was a definite compliment to your camp and your team at ESKF. I know you spoke your thoughts on the belt but what does it mean to you to be bringing it back for the team?   “My team ESKF produces champions on a daily basis, this is normal for us. My other gym BJJ London Wing Chun have never produced a champion but they have my loyalty too, I represent them both, I’m taking the belt back to 2 gyms.”   Congratulations once again Ali, enjoy the moment. Before you head off to celebrate with your team, is there anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?   “Shout-out to ESKF, KO Gym, and London Wing Chun Academy.”

The return of Contenders brought the return of violence to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. But with it, brought two amateur fighters together who had a second chance to face one another after an unfortunate cancellation to their previously scheduled bout back in June.   Union Thai‘s Taylor Mills vs Kabashi MMA‘s Ali Farasati did not disappoint, and in my opinion, was one of the highlights of the undercard in the capital.     These warriors left it all on the cage, and proved that this bout was destined to happen. Mills was victorious in submissive fashion via Rear-Naked-Choke late in the second, and showed that his hunger to once again compete was strong.   I caught up with Tayler after his phenomenal victory at Contenders 33 to find out just what his explosive return to action meant to him.   Congratulations on that absolutely outstanding victory Taylor, how do you feel after your outstanding performance?   “I feel great, he was tough man. That was a good win for me, I wasn’t expecting a submission but there we go.”   You took control right from the get go out there. you could physically see the raw animosity, the want and need to once again back out there, especially after you cancelled bout back at Road to Contenders 5.   “He was overconfident, I had to show him. I had to show him I could go out there and fight his fight. He was standing there calling me on, hoping I would gas out, I’m too clever off my jab.”   With a successful submissive outing, unplagued by the medical that kept you and Ali from going to war back in June. Will you be looking to keep the momentum going and return as soon as you can?   “That was a big relief, I was more nervous for the medical than I was for the fight haha. But it all went perfect, my heart rate was on point. Yeah, whenever they’re back I’m injury free, I barely got touched. Little sore from kicking his head but that’s about it.”   Before you go for a well earned celebration with your team, is there anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?   “Shout-out to Marcus my head coach, shout-out to Tony my boxing coach, shout-out to Simon my grappling coach and Lee for being here with me today. It means a lot to me, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here today.”

Sydney Omar Dacres 2-1-0 is an English amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Middleweight division, representing Diesel Gym & 10th Planet London. He has competed for Contenders LTD and Fightstar Championship.   I’d like to start things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me again today Sydney, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the incredibly stacked Contenders 33 card.    “Always a pleasure bro! Thank you for giving us a platform.”   My pleasure mate, always great catching up with you.   I hope training has been going well in the build-up to your scheduled return to Crystal Palace?   “Training has been great, I’m loving it as always. I know it’s going to sound like such a cliche, but I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt going into a fight.”   On my visit a few weeks ago, I can see you’re going all out for Saturday.   Dedication to your craft is a sure sign to success in the gripping world of Mixed Martial Arts, bearing witness to your victories and visiting Diesel, dedication is a top priority for you. What does it mean to you to be part of such a well oiled machine that is Diesel Gym?   “Dedication to my craft is something I hold very dearly. There’s a quote that I love “your lack of dedication is an insult to those that believe in you”, so I feel like giving less than 100% is an insult to my people. Being a part of Diesel is an honour we’re building something special here, we’ve got every aspect of combat sports on lock.”   You have made your intentions known in your past 2 outings in the capital, with your TKO over Elijah Ajala at Road to Contenders 5 and Submissive prowess on display over Nabeel Hussain at Fightstar Championship 22.   It must fill you with confidence going into a potential hat-trick of victories in such a short amount of time?   “Yeah it’s crazy to think I had my first fight in April, I’m moving so fast these days I rarely get time to reflect on it. Hat-trick will be fun though!”     Armed with a prolific arsenal, your sights are set upon your upcoming opponent Kenny Mbongo of Fight City Gym, An opponent you’ve recently shared a card with as well as a successful inclusion at Fightstar Championship 22. What do you make of Kenny in the build-up to your scheduled meeting in the cage?     “I’m excited, I feel like our styles will make it a fun fight.”   I Have to agree, having the opportunity to have witnessed you both in action on a few occasions, it’s a great matchup by the Contenders team.   Contenders’ return to London is once again set to be one of the biggest nights of MMA in the capital, many exceptional amateurs such as yourself and well-rounded professionals are set to take centre stage on the London-based based organisation’s 33rd card to date. Other than your inclusion on the night,  are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?     My boy Daniel is making his pro debut and Shirzad is fighting for a belt! I find myself more excited about their fights than my own at times and can’t wait to see them in action. They’re both pros so their fights will be way after mine, so I can grab a good seat.   They are definitely the ones to look out for.   I wish you all the best for September Sydney and I can’t wait to witness you out there once again.   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?   “For the fans, I want them to bring that energy. I’ve been super excited for this one and I hope they are too. Shout out to everyone at Diesel, it wouldn’t be possible without them!”

Daniel Crooks-May 0-0-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Lightweight division, representing Diesel Gym & 10th Planet London. He has competed for WCMMA and Cage Warriors South-East. He holds an amateur record of 5-2-0 and is set to make his professional debut on Saturday 3rd of September for Contenders.   I’d like to start things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Daniel, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the Contenders return to London for the incredibly stacked Contenders 33 card.   “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today.”   My pleasure mate, I was hoping to grab a chat with you after hearing about your inclusion on the card.   I hope training has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated professional debut in the cage?   “Training has been phenomenal, keeping active and going fight to fight has only been a blessing and I can’t wait to show the further improvements I’ve made since the last fight. I can’t think of a better place than Contenders to show this.”     My visit to Diesel a few weeks back gave me a glance at all the phenomenal work that gets put into your daily routine, as well as witnessing how much of a family of fighters you guys are. What does it mean to you to be part of the well-oiled machine that is Diesel & 10th Planet?   “It means the world to be part of the mighty Diesel gym and 10th planet London. As you said and saw, we truly are more than just a gym, we are a family eager and desperate to be all we can be. not just win our fights and competitions, but also succeed in this game we call life. I can think of no better place or people to have with me on this journey.”   Your amateur journey has given fight fans a masterclass of memories, displaying your vast array of talents and notching victories with 2 of the biggest organisations in the UK in WCMMA and Cage Warriors South-East Academy.   When receiving the call from the Contenders team to be part of their return to London, was the notion of joining your teammates in the capital an opportunity you just couldn’t refuse?   “I’m very lucky and grateful to have competed on such amazing shows, and the people who have followed me from the beginning have been able to see all the improvements made since I’ve started. Contenders is a fantastic show and Contenders 33 is the perfect moment to make my London/pro and Lightweight Debut, an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Having the team there just makes it all the more sweeter.”   With everything set in place, we are now just nine days out from what is set to rumble the very foundations of the capital when Contenders return to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. You are set to take on Marin Vetrilla who will also be debuting in the professional division. What do you make of Marin in the build-up to your scheduled meeting?     “Marin is an incredible competitor, I look forward to our battle and seeing who is the best man on the night.”   If your amateur outings are anything to go by, you aspire to reach the top of your division wherever you take the walk. Will your inclusion on the 3rd be a sign of things to come in regards to the Lightweight division of Contenders?   “Of course, I don’t do anything in life I’m not committed to, and winning this on September 3rd, making a statement, and showing what I’m truly about is the first step of many goals. I have much more of my MMA journey to go. And for Contenders, I will be their Lightweight champion, it’s a matter of when not if, but the first business must be handled on September 3rd.”   So many exceptional athletes have graced the Contenders cage, I look forward to your future outings, you’re a fine addition to their roster.   Contenders return to London is once again set to be one of the biggest nights of MMA in the capital, many exceptional amateurs such as yourself, and well-rounded professionals are set to take centre stage on the London-based organisation’s 33rd card to date. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?   “I cannot wait to see shirzad and big trev do what they do best and will be ringside for both those fights. Trev has only gotten better since his first fight and is set to take over the middleweight division. Shirzad is the champion without the crown and on September 3rd he will be crowned, I can’t wait to share this moment and night with my brothers.”   It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today Daniel and I look forward to witnessing your professional journey unfold.   “Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to me today Aaron, it has been a pleasure and I look forward to catching up with you after the fight.”   I look forward to that 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 want to thank all my family and friends for their continued support in helping me to be the best I can be. My coaches and training partners from Diesel gym and 10th planet London for all my skills and The body therapist and FORM-AI for helping keep me at my physical peak.”   Tickets are still available from the fighters for what’s set to be a night of pure unadulterated organised violence in the capital. Also available from the Contenders Website here. Also available on

Matthew Nicholson 1-1-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Light Heavyweight Division. A professional competitor since 2021. He professionally competed for Lockdown Fight Series, and Fightstar Championship and is due to make his debut for London-based organisation Contenders.   I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to speak with me again today Matthew, and also to congratulate you on your recent inclusion on the Contenders 33 card.   I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your scheduled return to the cage?   “Yeah, I’ve been working a lot and finding the time to train alongside. Due to my main sparring partner being injured, my camp has had new guys this time but I’m still putting in hard work and dedication.”     As many in the fight game will know, many obstacles will manifest themselves when fight day approaches. Previously set to take centre stage at Epsom Downs Racecourse for the Fusion FC 34 card back in June, these obstacles occurred.   We spoke of these issues after the fight never occurred, but for the readers and the fans that were looking forward to witnessing you in action, could you elaborate on what occurred?   “Yeah, the Fusion card had an obstacle there for sure. The guy asked for 90kg and I accepted thinking I wouldn’t have a problem. Dropping a bit closer to the time I realised 93kg is my home and that extra weight to drop would impact my performance. 90kg isn’t a weight class and I wasn’t prepared to deplete myself from my natural fight weight. I asked if he could meet me 93, 92, and 91 and he refused, so ultimately I did too. I’ve had dirty weight cut issues in the past, I didn’t want issues like that affecting my pro career. I make 93kg strong and explosive, so I regretted accepting 90kg. As we get older we naturally put on that size weight and I miss measured the process of that extra 3kg on an empty stomach and drained body.”   Fully fit and ready for war once again, you set your sights on the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, a place that over the 2022 MMA calendar, has played host to all-out barn burners for fight fans in the capital and will not soon forget.   Your return to the capital will see you take on Dawid Panfil, with both of you holding a mirroring record of 1-1-0, this has to be one of the most evenly matched bouts of the evening. What Do you make of Dawid in the build-up to your scheduled meeting on September 3rd?   “The Dawid fight makes sense right? From what I’ve seen of him we have the similarities of going up in weight and have been around for a while. I wanna go out with a bang if this is my last match es I’ve been wanting other things at the moment. The fight game at present isn’t gonna pay for these things. I might feel different after and have that fire burn bright again but one thing’s for sure, I don’t wanna walk away on a loss lol.”   Without giving too much away what steps have you been taking to make sure you walk out with your arm raised and another W to your professional record?   “Well, last fight I got caught with a shot no one saw coming and would have KO’d anyone. He had never used that jumping knee to my knowledge in previous fights, so it’s one of the things that literally “it takes one shot and it’s over” anyone can get clipped. If you threw something wild out there and it landed, well it landed and you won init. There are no guarantees in the fight game, and anything can happen there. Gotta believe and prepare best you can for the upcoming challenge ahead.”   Contenders have made many successful outings to London in recent years, and each and every outing has given fight fans of London a night of well-matched MMA action from gifted amateurs and professionals such as yourself. Contenders 33 is shaping up to be quite the night, other than your inclusion on the night, are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?   “As of now, I’m a part of Alpha Talent Management. So any guy a part of this management or any guy I’ve trained with in the past or know personally I do like to have a watch. I haven’t fully seen the match card but I think a few guys from Alpha are competing on the card. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Harry Davies.”   I wish you all the best for September Matthew and I look forward to witnessing you out there once again.   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?   “Thanks to everyone that’s coming to support me, I will never forget these people. We go out and celebrate afterwards and make some memories.”   Tickets are still available from the fighters for what’s set to be a night of pure unadulterated organised violence in the capital. Also available from the Contenders Website here. Also available on PPV with MMATV here.

John ‘No Mercy’ Nicholls 4-3-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Welterweight division, representing Keddles Gym. He has competed for UCMMA, BAMMA, MTK MMA, Fusion FC and Bellator MMA.   I’d like to kick things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me today John, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the Contenders 33 card.   I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the cage.   “Yeah, the training camp has been going fantastically. Obviously, I haven’t had too long to prepare, but I am at my fullest potential, I feel strong. Many people know of my gym, Keddles Gym. We’re known for Thai fighting and MMA. We got some of the biggest stars in the sport. We also have Sam Shackleton who’s a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he’s my BJJ coach. He’s been working with me a lot recently, my ground game has gotten a lot stronger because of it.”     It’s been two years since we last saw you in action, no doubt we are going to witness an entirely different warrior out there. For the readers, could you elaborate on what you’ve been up to since your last walk to the cage, and what your intentions are upon your return?   “If people think I’ve taken two years out and not done anything, they’re gonna have the shock of their lives. I’m a totally different animal, if they thought I was good before, I’ve covered all areas before I return to the cage this time. My intentions are to take out any person that stands in front of me, any person at all. And if you want it, you can get it.”     I for one am glad to see you back, it’s always great to witness a return, from what I’ve heard all in attendance at the Crystal Palace National Sports don’t wanna blink for this one.   Showcasing your prolific arsenal across many of the UK’s finest organisations, fight fans will be elated on hearing the news of your return to the lion’s den. What did it mean to you When receiving the call from Contenders to once again put on the 4oz gloves?   “Yeah, it means the world to me man, I’ve missed the sport. I get the chance to put them 4oz gloves on again and do some damage, it’s the sport that I love and have been involved in for many years. I’m gonna continue to grow, continue to keep coming.”   As well as a strong gym, and a successful camp, strong representation is also key to success in the brutal yet exhilarating world of mixed martial arts. Alpha Talent Management strives itself in giving gifted amateurs and well-rounded professionals such as yourself the best opportunities possible to succeed in their quest for Glory.   What does it mean to you to be represented by Martin Ireland and his team?   “To be represented by Martin Ireland and ATM oh it means the world. I’ve always been loyal to ATM, they’ve always been good to me, we have a strong team and I’m looking forward to going out there and making them proud.”     I’ve had the opportunity to speak to many fighters under the ATM banner and Martin also, you can see the dedication to each and every athlete he and the team has.   With everything set in place, we are now just nine days out from what is set to rumble the very foundations of the capital when Contenders return to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. John will take on Luke Dyson, and what a collision it will be.     Contenders return to London is once again set to be one of the biggest nights of MMA in the capital, many exceptional amateurs and well-rounded professionals such as yourself are set to take centre stage on the London-based organisations 33rd card to date. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?   “I’m highly anticipating the Harry Davies fight my ATM teammate. Looking forward to him bringing back the Lightweight Title, I wish him all the best.”   I’ve had a couple of opportunities to witness Harry out there, he really gives the crowd a war out there, highly looking forward to his Main-Event inclusion also.   It’s been a pleasure speaking with you today John and I look forward to witnessing you out there.   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 Keddles gym, to everyone that helped me prepare. My wife Rebecca who’s been looking after me and a massive shout-out to ATM for giving me the opportunity at Contenders, I’ll see you all next week.”   Tickets are still available from the fighters for what’s set to be a night of pure unadulterated organised violence in the capital. Also available from the Contenders Website here. Also available on PPV with MMATV here.   Feature Image and training images by Ben Lucas King