MANUWA “I DESERVE TO BE MAIN EVENT"

We caught up with UFC Light Heavyweight and Team Smuggling Duds member Jimi ‘Poster Boy’ Manuwa for an exclusive interview just weeks away from his Fight Night headline bout at the 02 Arena in London against Corey Anderson.

HI JIMI, YOU ARE LOOKING IN PHENOMENAL SHAPE!

Thanks mate, I’ve been putting in the work and making the sacrifices as always.

SO TELL US HOW IT FELT WHEN THE PENNY DROPPED THAT YOU WOULD BE HEADLINING?

I felt so proud when I was told I was going to be the main event, but you know what? I think I deserve it too. London is my home and I’m one of the most exciting fighters to watch in MMA. It made sense for me to be the main event.

YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH ALLSTARS TRAINING CENTRE OVER IN SWEDEN JIMI, WHAT DO YOU FEEL THEY ADD TO YOUR TRAINING?

For me personally, Allstars is great for many reasons. I get to spend time out of London, away from home comforts and just focus on nothing but training. Sacrifices an athlete has to make to stay at the top of their game. I spent a lot of my training camp out here with a straight head and no distractions. It just happens to be one of the best gyms in the world with some of the most talented fighters and coaches.

YOUR LAST WIN, AGAINST SEASONED WRESTLER OVINCE SAINT PREUX, SHOWCASED SOME EXCEPTIONAL HANDYWORK. CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT REEL KO?

Listen, you can always expect an exciting fight with me. The UFC know this, fans know this, everybody knows this. I always come to finish and my record shows that I near enough achieve it all of the time. Don’t miss this one.

YOU ARE A HUGE FAVOURITE WITH FANS, ANY MESSAGE TO EVERYONE BUYING A TICKET FOR THE 02 BEFORE WE LET YOU GET BACK TO THE GRIND?

I love the support of the British fans. All my fans are great but this event is going to awesome. It gives me extra motivation knowing I will have the crowd on my side and come fight time I want to see the roof come off. It’s my year this year.