FightHounds

With only days away from his upcoming Featherweight Grand Prix bout with Conor “Done Deal” Dillon this Saturday nights at Cage Contender XII Fight Hounds caught up with Brian “The Pikeman” Moore to get his thoughts on the fight this Saturday.

Q: Hey Brian how’s the weight cut and all the other preparation going for the fight?

A: My preparation for the fight has been excellent. My coach says it’s the best I’ve looked and I agree. I feel great in all ranges and excited for Saturday so I can put on the best performance of my career to date.

Q: You lost a tough decision last time out against Mike Wilkinson your first loss in MMA. Is that motivating you to fight harder this time or do you even think about it?

A: I’m always motivated to train hard and fight. My last fight had circumstances around it that made it impossible for me to perform even close to my best. My focus at the minute is 100% on putting on my best display and getting my hand raised on Saturday.

Q: Have you worked on anything specific while training for this fight? Where do you feel you are at your strongest in a fight?

A: I’ve worked hard and improved in all areas. In SBG we leave nothing to chance. One of the strongest advantages I have is being able to mix the stand up, ground and clinch which is important in MMA today.

Q: Where do you think the biggest improvements in your game have come since turning pro?

A: I feel like I’m one of the most well rounded fighters around. If you look at my last amateur fight and my game now, I’ve developed all areas of my game significantly. I train harder than anyone in Irish MMA. Add that to the level of training, coaching and sparring I’m getting in SBG and that’s why I’m improving quickly.

Q: How much of that is to do with joining SBG? Training everyday with the likes of Conor McGregor and Gunnar Nelson must be a real eye-opener.

A: The vast majority is down to John Kavanagh and SBG. Training under John who is quite simply a genius when it comes to MMA and BJJ and with world class fighters the gym is producing can only bring your game on. Add that to my work ethic and expect results
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Q: This will be your first professional fight under the Cage Contender banner but you do already have two amateur wins in the same organisation. Are you thinking about a title at all or is it even a consideration at this point?

A: The best pound for pound Ireland has yet produced owns the Cage Contender FW Belt and that guy is Owen Roddy. SBG are my fight family and I don’t fight family. The only involvement I’ll have with the belt for the time being is to help Owen in training to prepare for his title defences.

Q: Do you have a certain game-plan going into the fight or do you prefer to let your opponent worry about your skills?

A: My game plan is to go in and fight. I train twice a day, six days a week and it’s what I know and do best. 

Q: What are your long term ambitions in MMA? Do you have anything lined up after this fight?

A: My ambition is to be the best. I’m fighting an opponent on Cage Contender XII next Saturday 25th February and that’s where all my focus is at the moment. After that I’ll concentrate on the next fight.

Q: With intense physical training being such a huge part of your life what do you to relax away from MMA?

A: I like to relax by spending time with my Fiancée, friends and family. I love watching movies and socialising when I get the chance. But it’s not long before I find myself back in the gym training doing what I love 

Q: We’re obliged to ask, give us your prediction for the fight??

A: I’ve 100% belief and faith in myself and ability to perform and get the win.

Q: Anyone you’d like to give a shout to?

A: Huge thanks to my coach John Kavanagh and all the guys in SBG who have helped me prepare for this fight, my boxing coach Diarmuid O’ Sullivan from Kilkenny Boxing Academy, The Irish Strength Institute for my S&C. 

Also a big thank you to all my sponsors for this fight; The Pain & Muscle Clinic, Pro Gum Gumshields, Pro Fitness Supplies, Club Whitford and Express Art and SBG Sponsors Bigshots Sports Nutrition.

Finally to my fiancée Noreen for all the support she gives me and the patience when I’m cutting weight .

Everyone at Fight Hounds would like to wish Brian the best of luck in his upcoming fight with Conor Dillon this Saturday at Cage Contender XII. Check out Brian’s blog in the “Fighter Blogs” section on www.fighthounds.com