[gdlr_quote align=”centre” ]The damage has been cumulative and if I carry on down that route, I’d probably struggle a lot more.[/gdlr_quote]

For most fighters, the effects of what happens inside the cage can render them inactive out side of it. For Corrin Eaton (7-2), it’s almost been the opposite.

“A lot of my problems come down to the work I’ve been doing outside of training,” explains Eaton. “I’m a ground worker and work on building sites, lifting and carrying all day every day.”

December 5, 2015, Corrin Eaton picked up the seventh win of his career, snapping a two-fight losing streak by tapping out Frenchman Jonathan Kuoame with a slick Brabo choke – the second on his resume. This was the last time the Team Titan fighter stepped into a cage, something that’s obviously snuck up on him.

“Yeah, I didn’t realise quite how long it had been until recently,” said Eaton. “I sustained my back injury towards the end of my fight camp out at American Top Team, which meant upcoming bouts were off the table. It did feel a little bit like I’d wasted the camp, but in hindsight it’s quite the opposite! I learned such a lot out there which I’m going to be carrying forward into every single one of my future fights.”

By the time he steps back into the cage at Rise of Champions 3 on October 15, it will have been ten months sat on the sidelines for Eaton. During this time he’s seen teammates compete all over the globe, from Shooto in Japan to Bellator in London – has it been hard playing the role of spectator for stable mates Brad Pickett, Ashleigh Grimshaw, Nathaniel Wood and Luis Gonzales?

“It’s been awful at times really, as I’ve not been there to help prep and be on that journey with them. I was hoping to have had a really good year, and be very active so I could start aiming for a bigger show, but that just wasn’t to be.

“I love watching my team mates fight, but it does sting a bit that I’m not in the same position as them, and at times, I’ve not been able to even train with them to help them get ready. But everything happens for a reason, and now I’ll be on RoC 3 – a show I’ve wanted to be on since the first one!”

Corrin Eaton Interview Image
Photo credit: Dan Donovan / Pioneer Sports Press

Eaton is set to take on Carl Morley at featherweight on RoC 3, a division he had previously thought to be leaving in favour of the drop to 135lbs.

“I listened to some wise advice! 145lb makes sense for now. I’ll see how i get on; I think I’m a small 145, but a could be a big 135. I’m just taking things easy before taking a leap like that. I’ll listen to what Brad [Pickett], Mickey [Papas] and the rest of my team have to say too – I want to be 100% I’m making the right choice.”

There are actually two Carl Morley’s (that we’re aware of) competing on the UK MMA scene, one has a reputation for pulling out of fights – is Eaton expecting a no-show come fight night?

“Oh wow! Now I’m worried. I was unaware one of them had a reputation!

“I’ve watched videos of both of them actually! Of course I hope he shows up – I’m ready. Roll on October 15.”

Like the knee, back injuries tend stick around. For a fighter, recurring ailments such as these can be devastating, especially if not taken seriously. At 27-years-old, Eaton is entering his physical prime as a competitor, despite being relatively young in the sport. Dealing with an issue such as this could make the difference between a serious shot at the big stages or spending his peak years on the physio’s table.

“I’ve been taking care of my body, having treatment for my back as often as possible and generally getting stronger.

“I’ve actually been working on some plans for the last few months, at home in Ipswich – I’ll be running a gym there very soon. It’s a complete change in environment and it’s going to help me keep healthy and take care of myself – all whilst earning money, which is a bonus!”

At least the time off has been spent productively, Eaton is much as fan as he is a competitor, making sure to keep an eye on the goings on in MMA: “It’s all I watch! Whatever’s available, I’ll be watching – UFC, Bellator, BAMMA, Cage Warriors, BCMMA, even boxing events!”

Rise of Champions 3 takes place on October 15 at the City Pavilion in Romford. An up to date card can be found HERE.


AUTHOR:

JJ SADDINGTON

MANAGING EDITOR

WASTEMAN.SIDEMAN.PAR.

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