|
|
Quick Interview with Mark Potter
16 Aug 2010
By Dean Weir
Mark Potter recently took time out to speak with MMA Hit Pit about his recent fight at UCMMA and what is in store for the future.
Your fight recently with Ian Hawkins was pretty much a one way destruction by you, until that fateful kick to the head which has raised a little controversy in some quarters, having had time to reflect on the proceedings, how do you view the stoppage and please give us your thoughts on the fight ??
One way destruction?! Thanks! Well I felt that the fight was going very well for me, I had landed multiple heavy shots and Hawkins was in real trouble. Obviously I regret the illegal kick, but it was just one of those things that happened in the moment, he went down and I just carried on fighting.
Ian Hawkins has, allegedly, been insulting over the internet and claims he was injured going into the fight. How do you feel about this and would you like a rematch with him in the near future, or do you feel that you have made your statement to him already ??
Ian Hawkins has been very insulting over the internet, to be honest I find it all a bit sad. Obviously he is not happy with his performance in the fight, saying that he was injured and didn't bother to train and making excuses for himself. I don't have anything to prove to Hawkins, I'm just looking forwards now and enjoying getting back into training and focusing on the next opponent.
Dave O'Donnell has been quoted as saying that you are "the best pound for pound heavyweight in the country", how do you feel about that label and do you feel any extra pressure because of it ??
Its great to have that kind of support from the promoters and people around me. I'm pretty used to all of the hype and pressure, its the name of the game as far as I'm concerned and it just helps add to my focus.
Your boxing skills are unquestionable as you have shown in your first two MMA contests. How are you finding adjusting to the other elements of MMA ??
MMA really has given me a new lease of life, I have been boxing for so long and I had gotten to the stage where I was, and still am, an unbeaten unlicensed heavyweight in the UK. There was no one left for me to fight! Its great to be able to train in different disciplines and be able to re-engage my mind, learn new skills and I'm enjoying the challenge and different elements MMA has brought to my training routine.
You have been training at Team Titan recently - how have you found it training at such a renowned gym ??
I would like to thank Team Titan and Mickey Papas for their support, however, I'm now training with Tony Thompson from The Academy in Loughton and Noel Tierny from KO Gym Walthamstow. Tony has an amazing skill set, and I'm looking forward to him being part of my team going forward, and of course Noel has been instrumental in my boxing career, and that will undoubtedly continue on into my MMA career too.
Please tell us a little about Mark Potter, your career history and what influenced you to decide to try MMA after such a successful boxing career ??
Well I've been boxing since I was thirteen. Turned pro at the age of 21 for Frank Warren had a total of 26 pro fights (21 wins), 14 K.O.s, 7 1st round K.O.s and boxed for the British and Commonwealth Title in 2000. I was Southern Area champ for 3 years, and remain unbeaten unlicensed British champ with 20 fights, 20 K.O.s, 13 of those in the 1st round . I also hold the EBF world heavyweight title. What turned me to MMA? Well I'd put that down to my manager Alan Mortlock who had a chat with me and opened me up to the idea, and I'm glad he did!
You are signed to fight on CFC in October against an as yet unnamed opponent. Would you prefer to face another stand up based opponent, or, do you feel that a more specialised "ground based" opponent would help showcase your all round game and put you in good stead as you progress up the rankings ??
I really am not fussy, I have complete faith in my management in arranging challenging opponents for me and I'm really looking forward to getting in the Cage again.
There are a number of fellow heavyweights that are making waves at the moment on the UK circuit, such as Adam Parkes from the Wolfslair. Do you feel that fights against the likes of Adam would be a good base for you, or, would you like to make the quick step to the top ranking guys ??
Well obviously it would be great to fight some of the top ranking guys here in the UK, but as long as the fight is a test for me then it doesn't matter to me who it is. Adam Parkes looks strong so maybe that could be a good match up for me at some point in the future, but as I said before, I leave all of those decisions to my management as I have complete faith in their ability to pick the right opponent for me at the right time.
What does the future hold for Mark Potter and what can we expect from you in the coming months ??
Well, I'm only just getting started. Hopefully lots of K.O.s and Submissions!!
If you had the opportunity to fight ANY opponent, who would you choose ??
I'm looking to push myself all the way, so in the UK I guess it would be Neil Grove, and then, of course, Brock Lesner. But I will fight anyone who is put in front of me, I'm not easily intimidated!
Would like to thank anyone ??
I would like to thank my management, family and friends for their support, and of course all of the people that continue to buy tickets to watch me at the shows, I hope I will keep you all entertained for a long time to come.
Thank you for your time Mark, it has been a pleasure. Best wishes in your next fight and your future MMA career.
|
|