Venator FC

Manolo ‘Angelo Veneziano’ Zecchini 19-8-1 is an Italian Professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Featherweight division, representing Fighters Angels/Jackson Wink MMA. He has competed for Kombat League the Minas Gerais Regional, Fight Network, Italian Cage Fighting, The Golden Cage, Federazione Italiana Grappling Mixed Martial Arts, Mazara Combat, Cage Warriors and Venator FC.   I’d like to start things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me today Manolo, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the Venator FC 12 card.     “Hello Aaron, thank you for this interview!!!”   You’re very welcome.   I hope your training camp has been going well in the build-up to your scheduled return to the Venator cage?   “Yes, yes my camp went very well. A hard one, not at all an easy camp.”   As you sharpen your proverbial tools for war and enter the final stages of your preparation, what has been your main focus leading up to your 14th walk to the lion’s den?   “One goal only, the ultimate goal, to work on gaining entry to the UFC!!!”   Venator has a vast history of being an iconic place for some of the most explosive battles the Mixed Martial Arts world has come to witness. This October will mark your 5th appearance for the Italian giants. What does it mean to you to take the walk once again, as well as being part of your home country’s phenomenal show?   “I am one of the Italian giants so for me, it is a pleasure and an honor to fight for venator.”   I’ve caught a few of your bouts over the years, always bring your A game.   As previously stated, this will mark a quinquennial appearance for Frank Merenda’s Venator. With so many memories for the show, you must have some fond memories, is there a specific bout under the Venator banner that will forever hold a special place for you?   “Certainly, the first venator I participated in will remain in history for me, In addition to the history of venator. at venator 3 where they entered the cage with wings. I saw my nickname, and I put on a show where there was blood on all corners of the cage against Dennis Coste. the American commentators were so enthusiastic and screamed madly hahaha.”     That was a very high paced action packed bout, you showed great determination.   Your next stage of your MMA journey see’s you take on Abou Tounkara in the Co-Main-Event of the evening. A Featherweight bout that is set to shake the very foundations of Montecatini Terme at the PalaTerme conversion Centre that the fans of Italy will be in high anticipation for.     What are your thoughts on Abou in the build-up to your scheduled meeting?   “Yes I will be present in the co-main event, Now a tradition since the last matches. I made them all in this position or even in the main event. One and only thought is how will my opponent be next, the ones after that are just steps to climb to reach my ultimate goal.”   As previous events have proven, Ventnor has played host to some of the most exciting wars inside the cage and Venator 12 will be no exception. Other than your inclusion on the night, are there any match-ups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?   “Surely the main-event is one of the most anticipated matches as well as obviously mine. In any case, those who follow venator know that all their cards are to be followed, because they are very exciting.”   There’s a fighter from the UK i would recommend keeping a look out for, Kiru Singh Sahota. He’s an exceptional talent across the regional scene.   “Ok thanks for the advice but as I said before for me one is as good as the other so the goal is always the same. to win and get to the UFC!!”   I wish you all the best chasing your dream Manolo.   It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today Manolo and I look forward to witnessing you out there.   “Thank you, it was a real pleasure and when you want another they are always available.”   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 cry to my fans is that I can’t wait to be in there and hear your screams cheer me on!!!!! What a show!!!”   Catch Manolo and many other phenomenal fighters at Venator FC 12 on October 8th, only on UFC Fight Pass.

Joshua ‘Flash’ Onwordi 2-3-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. He has competed for Cage Warriors South East, Cage Warriors and is making his international debut for Venator FC Saturday, May 14th.   I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today Joshua, and also to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement for the Venator 11 card.   I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the cage?   “Training camp has gone well, considering the short amount of notice I accepted this fight on. I got the news while I was on a work trip in Turkey and decided to knuckle down and enter the fighter’s mentality ASAP.”   It’s been 2 months since fight fans had the pleasure of witnessing you in action. Back in March 2021 taking on Kye Stevens in what the CWSE27 Crowd will not soon forget. A controversial end, but a phenomenal performance not the less. How did you feel after the show?   “Thank you! Unfortunately, after a solid first round where I believe it was in my favour, I had suffered a vital eye poke, resulting in a no contest. Although it was frustrating being out of training to recover, I still managed to keep my fitness up in other areas that support the combat game.”   What have you been up to since that epic showdown in Colchester?   “I have taken some time to get back in grips with my love for grappling, competing and coaching teammates on some of the local tournaments.”   Without a doubt, the CWSE fans will be looking forward to your return to compete one day in the not so distant future. Should the opportunity arise during the 2022 calendar, would you grab the opportunity to compete once again?   “I would absolutely compete on the show again. The event is run to perfection and as a fighter, I find that the respect and care that the team provided is outstanding. Most importantly, I get to put on a performance in my hometown. Nothing more I could ask for.”   The wait is finally over, you set your sights on international organised violence in Italy. Taking on Michael Pagani at an action-packed night for Venator 11. This being your 1st outing outside of the UK MMA scene, was this a difficult decision to make?     “The attitude of this show is what gave me the instant drive to accept. Yes, it’s my first outing abroad but I’m sure none of that will affect my performance in any way. I can’t wait for this battle.”   Your career thus far has shown that you are always looking to compete against top tier competitors in the proverbial Lion’s den in the UK. Italy seems to be no exception, what drives you to take on some of the most talented competitors in the fight game?   “I guess it just comes from the belief I have in myself being put above what my opponent may look like on paper.”   Pagani brings with him an unblemished professional record with a hat trick of victories since turning pro back in 2019. What do you make of your opponent leading up to your scheduled meeting?   “Hats off to him and the way he has handled his career so far, however, on Saturday, I believe he will have something in front of him that he has never experienced.”   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?   “There are far too many names I would love to shout out but I don’t think I could get through them all. So I’d like to start with my jiu-jitsu coach Michael Russell, who has been the main man behind my skills from the very first day. To Jack Mason at BKK for getting me involved with the Venator organisation and working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything always runs to plan. not only with this but also with CWSE. Massive thank you Darren O’Gorman for dropping all his plans to fly out and lead the way to victory for me in Italy. Last but not least, to all my training partners and coaches that have made me the fighter I am today. If we have ever crossed paths and shared a friendly punch-up that includes you too.”