Saul “The Hangman” Rogers is set to fight at Absolute Championship Berkut 47, but although this is a massive event in Glasgow, Scotland, it’s just another step up the ladder for Rogers. The Englishman takes on Michel Adelina at the SSE Hydro tonight.
Rogers (11-1) last fought at Tanko FC 1 in Manchester, where he submitted UFC veteran Andre Winner in less than a minute. It seemed like that was going to be the last time we saw Rogers fight outside of the UFC, and he thought so too.
“After my win on Tanko I definitely thought I had done enough to fight at UFC 204,” said Rogers. “The card is in my home town and I had just beat a high level opponent in Andre Winner.”
Rogers has been quoted in the past as saying he would have fought at UFC 204 for free, but “The Hangman” wasn’t just going to sit on the sidelines. “I didn’t get the call and I didn’t want to wait around hoping the UFC might pick me up on the off chance.
“I knew I had to sign with another organisation in order to keep fighting regularly and stay active. ACB is a great organisation and they have some high level fighters I’d like to beat, so I’m more than happy with my decision to sign with them.”
Rogers’ opponent Adelina holds a professional MMA record of 8-7-1 and has finished three of his wins with strikes. 26-year-old Rogers knows little about Adelina, but does know where his opponent excels, “Alls I know is he’s predominately a striker and he always comes to fight, so I’m expecting it to be a good one.”
Being an elite mixed martial artist, Rogers wants to fight the best fighters in the world, and thinks he will be able to do that without being signed to the biggest promotion in the world. “I think there is still a lot of high level fighters outside of the UFC,” Rogers said, “and ACB has quite a few of them.”
“Since the last fight, I haven’t taken my foot off the gas,” explained the former TUF 22 contestant. “This fight is only six months apart from my last one, and I’m constantly improving in every area. My fitness is on point and I’m feeling sharp, I think that’s what is going to set me and Michel Adelina apart on Saturday Night.”
Rogers is far from disappointed he didn’t sign for the UFC, and feels he’s made the right choice signing for ACB, “ACB is a great promotion, they have looked after me and taken good care of me from the very start, I couldn’t be happier. I feel I have a perfect opportunity to take out some big names and get a title shot in the near future.”
“I know I’m still going to be getting great fights and I know I’m going to continue climbing the ladder to the top.”
Watch ACB 47 LIVE and FREE, HERE.
Jake Bostwick is ‘more than ready’ for ACB 47, read the interview HERE.
Jack Holt will “fight any c***” at ACB 47, read the interview HERE.
Ed Arthur is looking to get back to his ‘ruthless ways at ACB 47, read the interview HERE.
