| Interview Neil GOLIATH Grove |
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| Written by Rohit Verma | |
| Wednesday, 04 June 2008 | |
 One of the strongest fighters who is competing at Cage Rage is Neil Grove. His background Kyokushinkai Karate and that shows when he enters the cage, in his GI.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to fight MMA?Well, I was born in South Africa, not telling you when!!! [Laugh] I decided to travel, and in 1996 I came to the UK. One of the 1st jobs I tried to get was a barman, but got stuck on the door...go figure! I worked in various places, but ended up getting into trouble, and as a result got introduced to my sensei, Gavin Mulholland, who teaches Goju Ryu at Westminster University in Regent Street London, in 2000. I graded to my black belt in June of 2005, and since then I've been wondering about cage fighting. I finally got stuck in and had my 1st bout in November 2006. I won in 55 seconds in the 1st round! I always only wanted to do it once to see what I was capable of, but enjoyed it so much I had to have another, I won again, got invited by cage rage to compete at cage rage contenders in August 2007, and the rest you know. On two days notice I fought James “The Colossus” Thompson and knocked him out in 10seconds!!! On July 12th you will be Headlining the event against Robert “Buzz” Berry. The 1st time you two meet “Buzz” was unable to continue after the 1st round with breathing difficulties due to a chest infection. What are your thoughts on this rematch?I think the rematch is due to him having a bee in his bonnet for the way he lost. Frankly, I was sick too, unfit and the man just couldn't finish me off! How are you preparing? Are you working on your Cardio? I’m working on my cardio, but not that much, he is I suppose as he's seen me fight Three full Rounds, but I never intend to do Three Rounds again, as I don't trust the judges decision. Are you sparing with guys similar to Buzz’s attributes? I'm training in Southend with Dan Burzotta of Team Suregrip, there's a wide variety of guys, ranging from middle weight to super heavy, all very strong and talented! It’s the 1st time you’re fighting a main event. Are you feeling any pressure? Fighting the main event has no effect. They are paying me the same money so they can move it to the 1st fight for all I care. I just want to set the record straight, I want to be the next British Champion, not bothered about the fame or fighting in the States, which constantly gets thrown in as a bonus. If I were to fight in the States, I’d prefer it to be in the UFC. Your coming off your 1st loses in your career to Rob Broughton. Firstly, what did you think of your performance? It was always going to be a tough fight, but I didn't fight my preferred way of fighting. I fought his way, which was a big mistake. I won that fight, the 1st and 2nd round defiantly! In the 3rd I got tired, he punched me but not enough to outscore me. He had me on the floor and I overturned and slammed him, the referee also stood us up once we hit the floor, trying to keep the fight stand-up, to please the crowd I suppose, which I thought wasn't very MMA... What did you take from that fight? |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 June 2008 ) |
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