Friday Night Fights originated the eight man one night tournament in New York. In 2008 Marcus Fisher fought his way to the end, and in 2009 Gabriel Carasco claimed the tournament crown. After deciding to pass on a tournament in 2010 Friday Night Fights promoter Justin Blair decided to bring the tournament back for 2011. When asked about the tournament Blair stated "We’re all really excited to be bringing back the tournament format to Friday Night Fights. I think that the excitement around this upcoming event, in part, stems from the fact that unlike a regular fight – there is story arc to a tournament…..when you watch a tournament you are watching a story unfold. "
Adam Edgerton, Chris McMillan, Diarmaid McGregor, Hiro Perera, Phillip LeGrand, Richard Huang, and Troy Sheridan have all been confirmed to be participating in the one night tournament. If you counted right you noticed that there are only seven fighters mentioned. Muay Thai Authority is glad to announce the eight and final tournament participant will be Josh Fitzsimmons.
None of the fighters that will be participating in the tournament have competed in a one night eight man tournament before but they all understand that preparation is key and that altering that preparation to be able to make it through three fights in one night is necessary. The extent of alteration to one's training varies by fighter, Diarmaid McGregor has made simple adjustments "I haven't changed my routine of training just altered the length." Fighters such as Troy Sheridan have implemented new additions to training "I've implemented other areas I never really focused on before like proper recovery, diet and of course my conditioning and durability. " Other fighters such as Hiro Perera and Chris McMillan have been doing "two-a-days" in efforts to keep up the physical exertion that will be needed the night of the tournament.
But for those that feel that your physical skills will drive one to victory, most of the fighters agree that your mental prowess will play as much a factor as your physical ability. Of the eight participants seven consider mental preparation to be an equal or greater factor in the tournament. Josh Fitzsimmons and Adam Edgerton both think that mental preparation will play just as big of a role as physical preparation. Fitzimmons said "I would have to say that both the mental and physical preparation for this fight will be close to even. A tournament like this will push you both mentally and physically and I don't think training your body alone will be enough, I try to live it everyday and imagine myself winning." Edgerton stated "I think both are equal, cant expect to win with only one I will have to be as mentally and physically prepared as I possibly can for this fight." The only fighter that feels physical ability will be the determining factor is Richard Huang as he simply states "Physical would be the more difficult aspect of this type of fight."
It is easier to prepare yourself physically, but mentally it might be a little difficult to prepare ones psyche for a hard grueling evening such as Friday Night Fight's 8-to-1 tournament is expected to be. Phillip LeGrand uses his spirituality to help develop his mental preparation. "I develop my mental preparation through spirituality, being Christian helps give me the courage and drive" said LeGrand.
Every fighter will make tweaks to their training in preparation for the tournament, they will all balance their training to favor the mental aspects or the physical aspects if not equally disperse the energy they apply to each. The only thing certain for each of the fighters will be that no one will know who they are facing until the event starts since that is when the random drawing for the tournament will be held in front of the audience to determine the evenings match-ups. The winner will have to dig deep to be able to win the tournament, and after the night is over there will only be one standing with his hand raised in victory.
Be prepared to witness fighters showcasing their skills, showing their heart, and most of all excitement because at the end of the night only one will survive the 8-to-1 tournament.
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