Mick Stanton will lastly meet Kerim Engizek within the Oktagon 74 cage this weekend on August 9, following a prolonged delay after the unique bout was scrapped eight weeks in the past. Scheduled initially for Eden Stadium in June, the extremely anticipated Tipsport Gamechanger match quarterfinal was postponed when Engizek withdrew – one thing Stanton suspects wasn’t because of sickness.
Mick Stanton vs. Kerim Engizek
“I consider he had no intention of combating in anyway,” Stanton informed LowKick MMA. “He’s the champion and there’s strain there, but when he will get beat, particularly by somebody they aren’t score extremely, it’s not a part of his plan.”
The delay prolonged Stanton’s combat camp by practically two months, costing him treasured household moments however sharpening his focus. “I missed out on weddings, missed my children’ birthdays – I used to be there however I wasn’t current. Combat camp takes every part. So for him to drag out, it pisses me off, actually,” he stated.
This rivalry provides additional warmth to a combat already loaded with excessive stakes. Engizek enters undefeated in Oktagon, driving a 15-fight win streak and broadly touted as Germany’s prime middleweight. Stanton, in the meantime, relishes the underdog function – one thing he’s carried since his teenagers. Beginning his profession with England’s schoolboy boxing workforce, he collected nationwide titles and knockouts earlier than setbacks pressured a change in route.
“My complete life, I’ve at all times been the underdog,” Stanton defined. “I used to be by no means meant to succeed. That’s me each day.” Transitioning from boxing to MMA in his early twenties, he rebuilt his life and profession by means of persistent arduous work – overcoming melancholy, weight points, {and professional} discouragement.
“I noticed I didn’t just like the life I used to be main, so I misplaced 4 stone, received again to coaching, and finally moved into MMA as a result of I noticed the chance,” Stanton stated. “I educated with native legends, went into teaching, and eventually examined myself contained in the cage.”
Recognized for his simple type, Stanton laid out his sport plan succinctly: “Heavy arms and horny wrestling,” he grinned. “If he thinks he’ll simply defend a couple of takedowns and knock me out, he’s in for a shock. I like getting hit and we’ll see what he does once I’m hitting him straight again. That’s when the takedowns open up – and if he provides me his again, I’ll end him.”
Reflecting on his journey, Stanton’s sees himself as a fighter for whom hardship and adversity created an edge. “I do assume you want a couple of demons, a little bit of hardship. It’s a loopy sport and you must have one thing to combat for. Life throws issues at you and generally you must turn into a fighter.”
His function as coach and mentor at City Kings gymnasium reinforces his ardour for the game past private accolades. “Serving to individuals and making champions, that’s my actual ardour.”
Successful this match, Stanton stated, would cement his legacy. “That is my purpose this 12 months – two extra wins and it’s life-changing. Once I keep centered, issues go nice. Once I’m distracted, that’s once I’ve made errors.”
This Saturday at Štvanice stadium in Prague, Mick Stanton stands prepared for his likelihood. After years of setbacks, comebacks, and at all times taking part in the underdog, he welcomes the problem and the strain.
“I’m obsessive about this combat. Let’s smash him.”
