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 event quarterfinal was postponed when Engizek withdrew – one thing Stanton suspects wasn’t because of sickness.
Mick Stanton vs. Kerim Engizek
“I imagine he had no intention of combating in any way,” Stanton advised LowKick MMA. “He’s the champion and there’s stress there, but when he will get beat, particularly by somebody they aren’t ranking extremely, it’s not a part of his plan.”
The delay prolonged Stanton’s combat camp by practically two months, costing him valuable household moments however sharpening his focus. “I missed out on weddings, missed my youngsters’ birthdays – I used to be there however I wasn’t current. Combat camp takes every little thing. So for him to drag out, it pisses me off, truthfully,” he mentioned.
This rivalry provides additional warmth to a combat already loaded with excessive stakes. Engizek enters undefeated in Oktagon, using a 15-fight win streak and extensively touted as Germany’s prime middleweight. Stanton, in the meantime, relishes the underdog position – one thing he’s carried since his teenagers. Beginning his profession with England’s schoolboy boxing group, he collected nationwide titles and knockouts earlier than setbacks pressured a change in path.
“My total life, I’ve at all times been the underdog,” Stanton defined. “I used to be by no means meant to succeed. That’s me every single 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, acquired again to coaching, and finally moved into MMA as a result of I noticed the chance,” Stanton mentioned. “I skilled with native legends, went into teaching, and at last examined myself contained in the cage.”
Recognized for his simple fashion, Stanton laid out his recreation plan succinctly: “Heavy arms and attractive wrestling,” he grinned. “If he thinks he’ll simply defend a number of takedowns and knock me out, he’s in for a shock. I like getting hit and we’ll see what he does after I’m hitting him straight again. That’s when the takedowns open up – and if he offers 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 number of demons, a little bit of hardship. It’s a loopy sport and it’s important to have one thing to combat for. Life throws issues at you and generally it’s important to change into a fighter.”
His position as coach and mentor at City Kings health club reinforces his ardour for the game past private accolades. “Serving to folks and making champions, that’s my actual ardour.”
Successful this event, Stanton mentioned, would cement his legacy. “That is my objective this yr – two extra wins and it’s life-changing. Once I keep centered, issues go nice. Once I’m distracted, that’s after 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 enjoying the underdog, he welcomes the problem and the stress.
“I’m obsessive about this combat. Let’s smash him.”
