When Cage Warriors return next Saturday, they’re bringing two of the promotion’s biggest stars to the BT Sport studio as well as a stacked card which includes household names in the UK. One of the fights on the card is a middleweight one between MMA veterans Leeroy Barnes and John Redmond.
Redmond (7-11) is currently riding a two fight win streak, with two T/KO victories. The irishman is back to his best following a four fight losing streak which spanned from April 2014 to April 2016. The Sprawl caught up with Redmond prior to the event.
“This is a fantastic opportunity” exclaimed Redmond, “I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of history.”
“I’m happy to be on the show and put on a performance and win” the confident Dubliner says. “I have seen one of two or Leeroy’s fights,” Redmond admits, “he is definitely a well rounded fighter and he comes to fight.”
Four stoppage losses in four fights marked the lowest point of “Johnny Jitsu’s” MMA career, and he knew things had to change. “There is a number of factors to it, one of them being that I don’t have to cut to 77kg (170lbs), the other is just that I’m more mature now.”
Having fought in front of some of the biggest atmospheres in Europe under both Cage Warriors and BAMMA, you’d assume this would be different for Redmond, as it’s an invite only event, but, if you did assume that, you’re wrong. “Atmosphere won’t make no difference” insisted the Team Ryano fighter, “I’ve fought in halls with 50 people, I’ve fought in the street with four people there, it doesn’t make a difference to the contest.”
Although Redmond has been fighting since 2009, he’s grown and adapted with the sport. The Irishman is now in the category of fighters that doesn’t necessarily believe in training camps, and trains all year round. “I don’t really do training camps anymore, I’m always good to go I just up the tempo slightly closer to a fight” he explained.
“I train to fight in Team Ryano MMA with some top professionals from Bellator, UFC and other top organisations and even some up and comers from my gym MalahideMartialArts. I’ve got the best training partners and coaches, under my head coach Andy Ryan couldn’t be better, there is lots of variety and I’m always improving.”
Touching on his weight again, Redmond was eager to emphasise he’s in a much better place at middleweight, “My current weight is 89 kg few to go not taxing on my body is the main thing fighting is fun I am focusing on the fight not the scales.”
Cage Warriors: Unplugged takes place live from the BT Sport Studio on Saturday Nov. 12, the card is headlined by a featherweight championship fight between current champion Patrick Pimblett and TUF veteran Julian Erosa.
