Jordan Desborough talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of Cage Warriors 72
by Ben Heather @benheather |
| Copyright: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors |
On Saturday night Cage Warriors return with Cage Warriors 72, an event which is stacked with quality and also includes two world title fights and a potential number one contender fight in the middleweight division. Also fighting at Cage Warriors 72 is Jordan Desborough who returns to action for the first time in 2014. It will be the first time Desborough has fought since being brutally knocked out in Newcastle at Cage Warriors 62. However, since then Desborough has had a lot of time to reflect on that last fight and focus on his game. This week we caught up with him to speak about his last fight and his fight on Saturday night.
Ben: It's been 9 months since we last saw you in action. What have you been working on in that time and how excited are you to be getting back in to action on Saturday night?
Desborough: After my last fight I needed some time to think about my future in the sport. I had to sit down and think about what I had been doing wrong and where I could improve my game. I think I'm coming back to fighting at the right time for me. I really didn't realise what a big deal fighting on Cage Warriors was until I had that time away. The work they have been doing recently is exceptional. Without a doubt they are one of, if not the best organisations in the world. To be given the opportunity to put on the Cage Warriors gloves and fight for such a big brand is always going to get me excited.
Ben: In your last fight you were beaten by Martin Sheridan in a knock out of the year contender, how do you bounce back from a loss like that?
Desborough: Obviously a lot of people are aware of my last fight. Don't get me wrong I don't think any fighter ever needs a defeat like that but a defeat is only a loss when you take nothing from it. I've learnt a lot from that fight. Not only with mma but in my personal life also. In a way I think the fight allowed me to have some time away from fighting that I needed. That was my fourth fight in 6 months and I was completely run down. For the first time in years I'm actually excited to fight. I've made huge improvement in the past nine months. That is going to be obvious to anyone watching on Saturday night.
Ben: A lot of fighters we have spoken to in the past have mentioned that it's not just about physically preparing for a fight but also mentally preparing for it. After your last loss has that affected your mental preparation?
Desborough: 100% my last fight has changed my preparation for this fight. If an opponent watched any tape on me before it was too obvious what I was going to do. I got stuck in my ways and wasn't improving like I should have been. I've taken a lot of time to focus on my weaknesses and a huge part of that was my mental approach to fighting. When I made the decision to fight again I realised that I don't want to be just another mma fighter. I want to be the best. The changes and improvements I have made are setting me on the right track to achieve that goal.
Ben: You're fighting Kris Edwards on Saturday a man that is currently on a 4 fight losing streaking in Cage Warriors, what were your initial thoughts about the fight and Does this fight offer more challenges than his record shows on paper? Having a 8-7 record but he does have impressive wins over guys like Spencer Hewitt and James Brum.
Desborough: When I got the offer to fight Kris Edwards I was excited. He's a fighter I always enjoy watching compete. 4 losses in a row looks bad on paper but there's more to it than that. Records can easily be built up fighting bums but I respect Kris for always fighting top guys. 2 split decisions losses to a top 6 flyweight and a 20+ fight veteran. A decision loss in a two round tournament fight to a top ten ranked bantamweight in which I thought should have gone to a third round. You could argue a case with those fights that he won all three. If that was the case I would be fighting a 11-4 former top five European ranked fighter.
In my opinion this is a fight between two fighters skill and attribute wise at the top of the Cage Warriors division. Obviously form and records don't match that statement but it's hard to argue that either one of us could beat any fighter in the bantamweight division.
Ben: Even though Edwards has lost his last four, It's been nearly two years since he was finished with 2 of his last 3 losses being by split decision. Do you see any weaknesses which you can target? And do you think you will be able to finish him on Saturday night?
Desborough: As previously stated records can be deceiving. What's interesting about this fight is we both desperately need the win. That alone can pretty much guarantee a finish. I know Kris won't want to go to the judges after close calls in previous fights. I'm looking to make a run at the Cage Warriors title and need to make a statement on Saturday night. I'm going for a finish.
Ben: You're taking on Edwards in his backyard of Wales, what's it like fighting on enemy territory so to speak?
Desborough: Last year I fought Brett Johns in Cardiff with only my three corner men supporting me and a whole arena going against me. I'd say I'm well prepared to deal with Kris's home town support.
Ben: Also on Saturday night is the CW bantamweight title fight between Cory Tait & Toni Tauru. Who do you think wins and how?
Desborough: I'm not sure what's going to happen in the Bantamweight title fight. I've seen a lot of footage on Cory Tait as I was due to fight him last year. The guy is a complete MMA fighter and worthy of a title shot. I haven't see much from his opponent but can guarantee the guy is world class. Cage warriors match maker Ian Dean is the best in the world and wouldn't put a guy in for a title fight if he couldn't win. I look forward to watching the fight.
Thanks to DPK International Transport Limited for the support for this fight. An amazing sponsor that has helped me out a lot.
Thank you for your time Jordan, we wish you all the best in your fight on Saturday night.
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