Nicholas Santangeli is set to make his debut on Saturday, March 4 at UK Fighting Championships 3.
We gave Nicholas a Q&A to tell people a little bit more about himself before he steps into the cage at the weekend.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to The Sprawl, Nicholas. Could you tell our readers about the type of fighter you are?
Coming from a boxing background, I see my striking ability as a real strength and advantage over my opponents. I have spent the last three years or so developing my ground technique and other aspects of my fight game to make me a more all-round fighter. Having been in the British Army for the last seven years and establishing a career in Physical Development where I am responsible for improving soldiers’ fitness, I feel my athleticism and mental robustness will be a key asset in helping me defeat my opponent.
You train out of the MMA Academy, Liverpool. What is the vibe in the gym come fight week?
Our gym works well in the fact that all the fight team and coaches are on the same wavelength when it comes to fight week. We all create a relaxed positive environment enabling us to focus our minds on the task ahead without any added pressure, tension or stress. I personally believe one of the most important elements going into any sporting event is maintaining the feel good factor.
I am lucky enough to train with some of the best fighters in the country, there are far too many to mention them all, but we have the likes of Lawrence Fitzpatrick – who just beat Krazy Horse – and then Tim Barnett who fought this weekend for the BAMMA title. So I really do feel like I get the best training partners possible, allowing me to develop and grow as a fighter.
How has this training camp been? Are there any goals you want to achieve coming out of the camp?
Being completely honest, I have loved every minute of this camp, even the low points like taking a beating in sparring off the top lads in my gym (haha). I have learnt so much throughout this eight-week fight camp that no matter the result come fight night, I have grown massively as a person and a fighter.
Going into this camp I had already identified my areas for development and understood where my strengths lie. So put simply, my goals were to invest every bit of my time improving my areas for development and sharpening my strengths.
You face Danny Ali on Saturday, how confident are you in getting your first amateur win?
I see this as a commitment game and I know I give 100% in all areas of preparation. I am also lucky enough to train every day with the pro fight teams at The MMA Academy Liverpool and UTC Birmingham, training with the best fighters in the country.
Regardless of the opponent standing opposite me I’ll always believe in my skills and training. I don’t like to make predictions I just like to go in and do me.
How much do you know about your opponent and his style of fighting?
I’ve watched his fight online, but I’m not concentrating on what my opponent can do, I’m going to go in there, push the pace, use my skills and utilise what I bring to the fight.
Ali won his previous fight by way of submission at UK Fighting Championships 2, how confident are you in your ground game?
I’m fully confident in my teammates and coaches down at The MMA Academy Liverpool. The gym is known for its ground work, I’m training with high level professional guys all the time so I know I can hang with anyone wherever the fight goes.
Who will be in your corner for the fight?
Jason Tan will be in my corner alongside some of the other coaches/fighters from The MMA Academy Liverpool.
Lastly, what does 2017 have in store for Nicholas Santangeli?
I’m hoping to make waves in the welterweight amateur scene and showcase my talent on shows across the UK.
