James Power interview ahead of Caged Steel 26

James Power (3-0-0) steps up to face fellow striker Ammari Diedrick at Cage Steel 25 on Saturday the 21st of August. Power brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into the cage, a highly decorated kickboxer on the national and international stage he looks to put on a classic next month. Violent Money TV interviewed Power ahead of his clash, here’s what he had to say below:

How did you get your start in Martial Arts?

“I actually started to lose weight. I was overweight and not in good shape and struggling in the the gym to make progress. I started kickboxing to shift some timber.”

What were the defining moments that lead you to pursue MMA?

“Seeing people like Tyrone Spong, Alistair Overeem, Mirko Cro Cop, and Mark Hunt all make the transition between MMA and K1 initially inspired me to try and accomplish the same.”

What is one thing the public don’t know about being a fighter that you think would surprise them?

“How skint we are hahaha. People think because you are a professional fighter you instantly get decent money for fights which is far from reality. Don’t get me wrong there is potential to get to that money but to begin with I’d think they’d be surprised with how little we get.”

I see you train out of AVT (Asylum Vale Tudo) MMA in Leeds but you have also started your own gym, Power House Fight Club. Has this been a day one dream, to have your own spot, or how did it come about?

“I’ve coached for a lot of years out of the other gyms etc. It wasn’t always a goal I had in mind but just kind of naturally came about and I’m happy that long after I’m done competing I can take other on the journey.”

You are an experienced coach and fighter. Coaches do bring experience from the cage/ring into the class but how do you think your role as a coach has helped you develop into a stronger competitor?

“It definitely helps you gain a greater understanding of the techniques. Being able to break down body mechanics to people to help them grasp a technique also makes you think deeply about it too. I don’t think I’d have the same technique if I wasn’t fighting.”

What do you think Ammari Diedrick has to offer you inside the cage?

Ammari is a well respected kickboxer so for sure he is going to bring that to his MMA game, but I’m well known for my striking too so it’s going to be a real fun, exciting fight.

I know some fighters do not like to look past the opponent, so it’s all good if you don’t want to answer this one. Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In 5 years I see myself fighting on UFC/Bellator”

If you are not acquainted with James skills, here is a highlight of him in action courtesy of Ben Marsh.

Caged Steel 26 will have fans in attendance but also offer a livestream option, both can be purchased when following the link below: