Greg Wootton talks Lion Fight 26 title bout against Tetsuya Yamato

Greg Wootton is one of the UK's top fighters and on November 20 he brings his talents from across the pond to Connecticut for Lion Fight 26. He will attempt to win the Loin Fight Super Lightweight title from current champion Tetsuya Yamato. 

Greg has a technical yet aggressive style which should result in an exciting fight with Yamato. The KO Gym fighter will be making his second appearance on American soil and will be looking for another high profile victory. He has earned victories over Petchboonchu F.A. Group and Rungrat Sasiprapa that have garnered him international attention, and capturing the Lion Fight Super Lightweight Championship will only add to his already increasing profile.

Greg was kind enough to do an interview with us here at Muay Thai Authority where we talked about his upcoming fight, his training, how he got into Muay Thai and more.

MTA: Big fight with Tetsuya Yamato coming up. Do you change your training camp based on your opponent or is it pretty much the same each time?

Greg Wootton: Yes big fight against Yamato. It's for his belt and he is a warrior so it will be a challenge.

MTA: When it comes to analyzing video on your opponent, does that play a big part in your preparation?

Greg Wootton: I'll watch my opponents previous fights to see his style, strengths and weaknesses. Then my camp and I will discuss a game plan and strategy to fight them and work specific techniques accordingly. I don't believe in over analysis though, in that you need to fight your fight and focus on what I will do rather than what they will do.

MTA: What does your typical training camp consist of?

Greg Wootton: Training camp consists if twice daily training, pad work, technical drills, sparring, clinching running and conditioning. It's a mixture of traditional Thai training, with some specific strength and conditioning work to supplement. 

MTA: How familiar are you with Yamato?

Greg Wootton: I've know and have watched Yamato for a few years since he won the K1 63kg title a few years ago. He has fought many of the best fighters out there at this weight and notable wins of Kevin Ross and Saggetdao show his level. He is very tough and a warrior so I am preparing for this.

MTA: In what areas do you feel you hold advantages over Yamato?

Greg Wootton: I think I may be slightly taller so I have some reach advantage. Yamato comes from more of a K1 back ground so perhaps I may be stronger in the clinch however despite the K1 experience he is dangerous with elbows.

MTA: In both his fights with Ross for Lion Fight he has been able to cause some serious cuts with those elbows and has had a decent amount of wins by cut stoppage. Are there any steps you can take to avoid getting cut or your corner might take to ensure they can stop a cut from bleeding too much?

Greg Wootton: Both the fights with Kevin Ross were absolute wars. There were a lot of elbows traded by both sides and it was Kevin that came of worse. As for avoiding cuts it depends upon what you do in the fight and whether I will stand and trade elbows. I like to use elbows too so it depends on how the fight plays out and the openings that occur. It will definitely be an area of his to be aware of.

MTA: Are you a full time fighter or do you have a day job?

Greg Wootton: I train and fight full time earning money by personal training and coaching. 

MTA: What was the reason you began training Muay Thai?

Greg Wootton: I began training Muay Thai initially to keep fit, no great aspirations to fight. Then I was enjoying learning and improving and after the first competition I really liked training for a goal and the challenge of it. I just kept training and fighting and every time I needed to make a decision career or study wise I followed my heart and passion and that was Muay Thai.

MTA: This will be your second fight in the USA and your first for Lion Fight. For fans in America that might not be familiar with you, how would you describe your fight style and what can they expect to see from you come fight time?

Greg Wootton: Yes I fought on the second Muay Thai in America show a few years back. I would say I'm a high tempo technical fighter. Others may say different haha. I'd like to think I am a technical fighter who can adjust. Fans can expect a exciting fight as I am coming to win and know that Yamato is not going to give up his title lightly.

MTA: A question that is common to all strikers whether they fight Muay Thai or Kickboxong. Is MMA in your future?

Greg Wootton: I'm a Muay Thai fighter and always will be. I love the sport as there as several integral elements such as respect and honour that set it apart from other fight sports and martial arts and make it special.

MTA: How would you describe the Muay Thai scene in the UK?

Greg Wootton: Muay Thai in the UK is flourishing. There are some massive shows happening regularly such as promotions by Muay Thai Grand Prix and Yokkao. There is also a generation of fighters growing up now who have so much talent and experience from a great competition circuit for juniors. There will be a lot of future champions from the UK.

MTA: As a fighter are you still a fan of watching fights and if so who are some of your favorites?

Greg Wootton: As I get closer to my own fight I probably watch less fights. Training twice a day, personal training and coaching means that most of my waking hours are occupied with Muay Thai so it's important to switch off from that sometimes. When I'm not close to fights I like to watch different fighters like Nong-O, Andy Ristie, Petroysan, Joseph Vallentini and boxing. I really like the all access HBO 24/7 build up shows to big fights in boxing.

MTA: Outside of Muay Thai what are some of the things you like to occupy your time with?

Greg Wootton: Outside of training I like to travel when I can. This can be difficult taking time out from training. I mostly try to see family and friends in spare time as I sacrifice my social life for training and fighting. 

MTA: Any plans beyond this fight already set?

Greg Wootton: I'm on the verge of sorting some exciting fights for next year but before then I'm planning to go travelling over the Christmas period when things get quiet work wise. Going to South America.

MTA: Any words for supporters?

Greg Wootton: Thanks to everyone who's followed and supported me this far. This fight is set to be a war so keep watching!

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Niclas Larsen talks Top King World Series 3

Niclas Larsen will be one of the eight fighters competing at Top King World Series 3 on December, 20th in China. The Denmark native will look to best a field of fighters that includes Thai super star Buakaw Banchamek, Andrei Kulebin, and Reece McAllister to name a few. We were able to catch up with Niclas where he talked to us about the upcoming event. Known as "The Destroyer", Larsen is probably most recognizable to fans from his two fights in Glory. He went the distance with Andy Ristie in his Glory debut dropping a decision and scored a (T)KO over Steve Moxon in he sophomore fight Glory.

MTA: You are fighting next week in the Top King tournament semi finals. How has training for the tournament been going?

Niclas: The training has been awesome, my training program is scheduled very carefully together with my 2 coaches Brian Talarek and Steffen Weise. They ensure that I do not lag on anything, try to push me all the time to my limits and prepare me for who or whatever stands in front of me. I just must be ready.

MTA: Have you been informed who your opponent is going to be? If so who?

Niclas: I'm ready and prepared for all final 8. I don't know who my opponent is yet, but I’ll hope I face them all one day because all final 8 are amazing fighters and I have big respect for all.

MTA: If you could face anyone of the tournament fighters, who is it that you would most like to face?

Niclas: Heehe every single one of them, but I must say that Buakaw is my favorite fight because when I started Thai Boxing he was and is still a big Idol for me. Respect for all he has done for the sport and I hope I'll meet him in the final ;).

MTA: You are from Denmark, how is the Muay Thai scene over there?

Niclas: The Muay Thai scene is fast growing right now. We have many talent's coming up that the world hasn't seen, so I hope that I can be like a door opening for the Danish Muay Thai scene and we see more Danish top fighters on the big shows around the world.

MTA: What do you prefer Muay Thai or Kickboxing?

Niclas: I prefer Muay Thai with elbow and clinch and that is also what i learn and train in the Mikenta Gym. But Kickboxing/K1 is also awesome I feel that my repertoire is good no matter what the rules are and I'll fit in the top of both categories.

MTA: How was it that you got started in Muay Thai and how old were you?

Niclas: I started to train Muay Thai when I was 17 years old in Mikenta. I was in a age where I felt that I could beat up everybody, so my friend told me I should start training Muay Thai and on my first training I got my first beating and then I got addicted to it.

MTA: For fight fans not familiar with you how would you describe your fighting style?

Niclas: Movable, unpredictable and flying.

MTA: What do you think is your strongest strength as a fighter?

Niclas: I'm fighting with my heart and I have a dream to follow.

MTA: Outside of the ring what are your hobbies?

Niclas: I'm a father to my 2 amazing boys Luciano and Damian with my lovely girlfriend Metzy and then I work as a mentor for young troubled kids here in Denmark.

MTA: Any words for your supporters?

Niclas: I really appreciate all the supporters around the world who are following my adventure. It's a big honor for me that not only in my own country but also around the world I’m getting support. To the supporters/fans you can be sure this is just a beginning I have a lot more to come, keep watching ;)

Tiffany Van Soest talks upcoming fight with Magali Foroni at Lion Fight 12

Tiffany Van Soest will return to action at Lion Fight 12 on November 1st to take on Magali Foroni. This fight will be her first since scoring a huge stoppage over Lucy Payne this past July at Lion Fight 10. Tiffany has continued to make her presence felt on the women’s Muay Thai scene and is currently the face of women’s Muay Thai in North America. She was kind enough to give us an interview regarding her upcoming fight and talk about her training and future plans.

MTA: You are back in action at Lion Fight 12 in less than two weeks against Magali Foroni. How has your training been going leading up to this fight?

Tiffany: It’s been going really well. I’ve made a few additions and switches to my coaching team and things are working out wonderfully.

MTA: When you started fighting you were balancing school and training, how much easier is it now that you are done with school or have other things like work simply replaced school?

Tiffany: It’s definitely easier, but I still have to work quite a bit to keep the bills paid. I love training my clients and teaching my students, so it’s not so bad.

MTA: How familiar are you with Magali?

Tiffany: To be honest, I’m not very familiar with her at all.

MTA: How much video do you look to study on your opponents, and do you consider it crucial to your fight preparation?

Tiffany: Typically I don’t watch too much film on my opponents. I feel like if I did then I would obsess and focus more on what they do rather than what I’m supposed to do so I leave the film watching up to Kru Alex. My job is to learn and execute the game plan he creates.

MTA: You weren't in action at the last Lion Fight after appearing in their first three shows this year. Did you like getting some R&R or would you have preferred to be in the ring fighting?

Tiffany: There’s nothing wrong with a little R&R, but I definitely would have preferred to be fighting.

MTA: This will most likely be the last fight for you this year, is fighting four times in one year the right amount of fights for you?

Tiffany: Yes. I think so. I train year round to stay sharp, but it’s always nice to have fights to train for. I don’t like to be on the shelf for too long. I tend to get antsy.

MTA: Moving forward with your career which has been very successful already, what are your new goals if any?

Tiffany: My goal is to just keep training and continue to sharpen my skills, learn new ones, and get even better. I want to push myself to be the best I can and continue to test myself against the best. I definitely want to defend my title and if the opportunity arises, travel abroad and fight over seas simply for the experience of fighting abroad. I love to travel.

MTA: We have asked this before, but we have to ask again. How long before the Muay Thai world suffers the casualty of you making the transition over to MMA, or is that something no longer on your mind?

Tiffany: I don’t have a time frame in mind and I’m in no rush. I have made a very comfortable home with Lion Fight Promotions. Muay Thai is my true passion. If the opportunity to take an MMA fight arises and the timing is right, then of course, I’d like to take on that challenge, but I absolutely love Muay Thai and Lion Fight so that will always be my first priority.

Michael Corley talks about his upcoming fight with Marco Pique

The Challenger Muaythai cast member, Michael Corley will be in action on December 23rd in Suriname at the event Klaaromte Bossen. Corley will be facing fellow cast mate on The Challenger Muaythai, Marco Pique. Corley took some time to talk to Muay Thai Authority about the upcoming fight against Pique in Suriname as well as his fight in February against Chike Lindsay.

MTA: You are fighting Marco Pique in Suriname, how did the fight come about?

Michael: I saw that Eric Haycraft was looking for fighters in Suriname and I've seen in the past that he has taken guys down there, so I shot him an email with my info.

MTA: Marco Pique and you were both on The Challenger Muaythai. How is your relationship with Marco?

Video: Chaz Mulkey talks win over Simon Chu at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 4"

Artem Levin talks about his upcoming fight with Roberto Cocco at the MPL's "Blood & Steel"

Artem Levin is considered one of the favorites to make it to the finals of the Muaythai Premier Leagues' (MPL) 182lb weight class. The Russian fighter will meet Italy's Roberto Cocco at the MPL's "Blood & Steel" event on November 6th in Holland. He recently took some time to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about his upcoming fight with Cocco and being part of the MPL.

MTA: Artem, you are fighting Roberto Cocco in the Netherlands, how familiar are you with him as a fighter?

Artem: Yes, I’ve seen his fights. He used to be a pro boxer. He’s got good arm punches, which are a strong point of his.

Video: Kevin Ross reflects on his fights against Sakkedao and Saenchai as well as the state of Muay Thai in America

Kevin Ross is the most recognized American Muay Thai fighter and has built quite the following as Muay Thai continues to grow in America. In this two part interview he sits down with Joseph Maylish and reflects on his last two fights against Sakkedao and Saenchai. In addition he addresses the state of Muay Thai in America.

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Joe Marchand Tipping talks about his upcoming fight with Chris Kwiatkowski

Joe Marchand Tipping will be facing New York's Chris Kwiatkowski on September 16th under the Friday Night Fights banner. Tipping took some time to answer a few questions for Muay Thai Authority about his upcoming fight with Kwiatkowski.

MTA: Joe, you are scheduled to fight Chris Kwiatkowski for Friday Night Fights on September 16th, how familiar are you with Chris as a fighter?

Joe: I know Chris is a great fighter with hard hands that no one should under estimate. I had the chance to watch Chris fight Oliver Parker live at Friday Night Fights June 10 event this year. Also, I train with a lot of fighters who have been on cards with him so I have a good familiarity with his style and pace.

Video: Yodsanklai talks about not being able to fight in America

Rungravee Sasiprapa talks about his upcoming fight with Kunitaka Fujiwara at Stand Up Promotions "M1 Grand Muay Thai Championship"

Rungravee Sasiprapa will be making his American debut on August 14th at Stand Up Promotions "M1 Grand Muay Thai Championship" when he takes on Kunitaka Fujiwara. Muay Thai Authority was able to catch up with Rungravee thanks to the help of David Huerta and Robin Hart as he answered a few questions regarding his upcoming fight.

MTA: You are set to fight Kunitaka Fujiwara on August 14th at Stand Up Promotions "M1 Grand Muay Thai Championship". How much do you know about Kunitaka Fujiwara and his skill?

Rungravee: Nothing, it doesn't matter to me. I don't want to know his style, I just want him to come to the ring and fight.

Ky Hollenbeck talks upcoming title defense against Simon Chu at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 3"

On August 20th Ky Hollenbeck will attempt to make the first title defense of his WBC Muay Thai interim middleweight world title at Lion Fight Promotions "Battle in the Desert 3". The man attempting to foil Hollenbeck's title defense plans is U.K. fighter Simon Chu. Hollenbeck has had some big wins as of late over Gregory Choplin and Vuysilie Colossa, but now that he is a world champion his opponents know what he is capable of.

Christine Toledo talks about the move from fighter to match maker for Lion Fight Promotions

Earlier this year Lion Fight Promotions made their debut as one the premier Muay Thai organizations in the United States. They have brought international talents such as Cosmo Alexandre and Gregory Choplin to compete in the United States as well as showcasing some of America's best fighters. Scott Kent along with former fighter Christine Toledo are the master minds behind Lion Fight Promotions.

Sheldon Gaines talks about his win over Borzoo Honargohar

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Yokkao Extreme promoter Stefania Picelli talks about her upcoming venture with Yokkao Boxing

Last week Yokkao Boxing and Stefania Picelli dropped a bomb on everyone when they announced Yokkao Extreme. The news was even bigger when they announced that a fight between Buakaw Por. Pramuk and Dzhabar Askerov would not be happening in Los Angeles for the Muaythai Premier League as previously announced by the them.

Behind Yokkao Extreme is Stefania Picelli, a former model who at the age of twenty five has taken the reigns of promoting the upcoming January 2012 event. Stefania was kind enough to answer some questions for Muay Thai Authority regarding her involvement with Yokkao Extreme and the news of Buakaw vs. Dzhabar Askerov.

MTA: Yokkao Extreme was recently announced and you are the promoter for the event, how did you end up in the fight promotion business?

Stefania: I think that nothing happens by chance, that you have to work a lot to achieve your goals and this is what I did for the last 3 years.

Omar Ahmed talks upcoming fight at Battle at the Beacon Theater

Muay Thai Authority caught up with Omar Ahmed to chat about his upcoming fight at Take-On Productions "Battle at the Beacon Theater". Omar was originally scheduled to fight Jake Mainini on the July 8th event but will now face an unknown opponent instead.

MTA: You have an upcoming fight with Jake Mainini how has your training for the fight been going?

Omar: My training is going good. I train hard for every fight.

MTA: You were originally scheduled to fight Jake Mainini but he recently had to withdraw from the fight. Does a change in opponent a few weeks before hand affect your training at all?