Stephen Poole

GWFC 1 is fast approaching and whilst there is two big title fights as well as a card packed with talent - One fight is drawing a lot of attention locally. Warren Frost, who is stepping into the cage for the first time has been matched up with Stephen Poole of nearby Coventry. Frost has already shared with us his views on making his debut, now we can hear Poole’s thoughts on the encounter.

Poole, who is still only 20 years old, will be competing for the 5^th time. More impressively he does this whilst also being a soldier of the Royal regiment of fusiliers and a member of their rugby team. When we finally managed to get some free time with him while away on a course with the army, this is what he had to say.

 

Hi Stephen, glad to finally catch up with you, It’s been a busy couple of weeks for you. How are you feeling leading up to GWFC1?

I’m really looking forward to it, I honestly can’t wait!

 

You have come up against some very tough guys early on in your career. That must be a huge advantage facing a debut opponent?

Yeah, I have fought a guy 3^rd in the world at Sambo who also represented GB in judo.

My two other defeats were also against top fighters (Chris Kennedy and Jason Musson) who had brilliant ground game. But I’m glad I have fought these guys because I’ve now been working on areas they had the upper hand so I can be ready for GWFC.

 

 

(Vs James Musson @ Battle arena) 

Have you approached this fight camp any differently after coming off a defeat?

Yeah like I said, I have been focusing a lot on my ground game. My BJJ is definitely better than before and also my takedown defence. So I am more confident that ever.

Does being a fighter and a soldier make it difficult to commit to training?

Sometimes it can be difficult yes, but if I miss a day in the gym or on the matts I just go harder the next day. And more often if I am away with work I’ll be worked pretty hard - you know! But in general I get to train in the evenings same as everybody else.

How do you see the fight going?

Really well. (laughs) I know it will be tough but you have to be confident in your abilities. And to become the best you have to go through the best.

Does it help or hinder you not knowing much about an opponent?

I prefer to do research on my opponent so I can identify weak and strong points in their game. I like to be as prepared as possible, which has annoyed me in the past when opponents have been switched at the last minute. But in saying that, this time I’ve been able to put that to back of my mind and purely concentrate on my game. If I perform my best, that’s all that matters in there.

Lastly, Warren has been a hit at the box office. Will the large crowd have an impact on you?

Not at all, no. The crowd doesn’t not bother me one bit. Once I’m inside that cage everything goes silent.

Thanks Stephen we look forward to seeing you in action, all the best with the rest of your fight camp.

GWFC 1 Bedworth civic hall, CV12 8NF.  Sat, 21st February. Doors open 5pm event starts 6pm

To see the outcome live you can get your tickets from civic hall box office on 02476 376707. Through our facebook page or alternatively from the fighters direct.

VIP - SOLD OUT | STANDARD £25