FightHounds

Today we set down with Cage Contender promoter John Ferguson to discuss how he got involved in MMA, The Cage Contender promotion, His thoughts on Irish MMA, A world exclusive on John Kavanagh and a lot more.

FH: Hi John, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us today.

JF: It’s always a pleasure, thanks for the invite

FH: How did you get involved in Mixed Martial Arts?

JF: It was purely by accident, A couple of friends asked me to help them with an event they were planning, at the time I owned an event management company and was glad to help. A couple of weeks into the project I realized that despite all their good intentions that were a pair of idiots, but as I had booked the venue and given my word to other people I made the decision to see it through. I really glad that I did (most days) it has become a full time career for me now and I’ve became an MMA convert!!

FH: When did you first hear of MMA?

JF: The first time I really took any notice was when one of my best mates brother in law was doing “Some Cage fighting thing” lol. It was Stevie Lynch fighting in UFC in Belfast, up to that point I was totally clueless!! Now I’m just clueless

FH: What was the first show you ever saw?

JF: I had never watched an MMA event when I staged Cage Contender 1. I had been to loads of boxing events because one of my mates was World and European champion. So I ran cc 1 as I seen boxing shows run. The first UFC I watched was earlier this year at a tuffnutt promotion afterparty in Waterford. The guys with me thought I was taking the piss when I said I’d never watched a UFC

FH: What motivated you to set up your own MMA organization.

JF: Money!! lol. To be honest I always secretly fancied myself as Jerry Maguire. When cc1 happened I enjoyed it so much I decided that I wanted to do it as a career. But my competitive side comes into play, anything I do I want to be the best at.

FH: Have you ever promoted anything else, boxing etc?

JF: Yeah, as well as owning Cage Contender my company Fight Options UK LTD also manage and promote boxers, we have 9 pro boxers on our books at the minute including current Commonwealth champion Chris Edwards.

FH: What do you think of the other local organizations popping up? Do you think it’s healthy for the Irish scene, and for you as a promoter?

JF: From a purely selfish businessman’s point of view I would like to see less, there are only so many shows a person afford to buy tickets for in a year and I would much prefer it was mine. As I’ve said before I think it will go the same way as boxing, at one side of the scale there will be lots of club shows to give guys some experience and people will see them as this. On the other side there will be two or three promotions with all the media exposure that comes with it. Both are of equal importance for the growth of Irish MMA

FH: At what kind of level do you see the Irish MMA scene currently? How do you think it will develop in the next 5 years?

JF: It’s growing well and is at a decent enough level, I think in the next number of years only the fittest clubs and promotions will survive. There will be so much competition for business the weak ones will wither and die.

FH: What would be your dream match-up for a Cage Contender event, both nationally and internationally?

JF: My dream match for Cage Contender is any that has paying customers on the edge of their seats and entertained. Our matchmaking record speaks for it’s self. No gimmicks, no bull, we put on meaningful fights. If the two people in the cage are of similar ability you’ve got half a chance of a good match up. Lol possibly not the answer you were hoping for.

FH: After having successful shows in Manchester and on both sides of the Irish border, where do you see yourself expanding to in the future?

JF: We have grown massively in our first 14 months. We have set out a 4 year strategic plan that we are a little bit ahead of schedule on at the minute. We do have plans to expand further over the next couple of years but this can only be done when the financial climate is correct and as an organization we have all our ducks in a row.

FH: Have you ever been in discussions with a marquee name from the US to fight on one of your cards? If not, do you foresee it happening in the near future?

JF: Sorry wrong promotion!! I will never say never but that’s not in our plans at the minute. That said we did speak to Paul Daley before the Manchester show but he is English and has a good following in England.

FH: Rumor has it that the UFC is returning to Ireland around March next year. Who do you feel from the Irish scene has the potential to step up and fight in the biggest organization in the world?

JF: I would much rather see them here in April, because Cage Contender is in Dublin again on March 12th. The obvious choice for me is Norman Parke. With his current form he defiantly deserves a shot!!

FH: How tough is it running an organization such as this?

JF: It has it’s moments, I work about 14 hours a day most days, as Managing Director of fight options there is always something needing done (it’s 11:15pm and I’m doing this). What drives me most a pure absolute fear of failing, Those who don’t know me believe I’m driven purely by money, that couldn’t be further from the truth, sure as a businessman I’m in it for profit but fear of failure drives me much much more!!

FH: What advice do you have up-and-coming promoters?

JF: Put fighter safety at the very top of your list of priorities, oh and don’t clash with my dates!!

FH: Once again, thanks for taking the time out. Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans of Cage Contender?

JF: Just a heart felt “Thanks”. Without the fans I wouldn’t have an organisation. Too often the promoters and fighters get all the credit, but without the great fans that we have it wouldn’t come together.

FH: Any chance of an exclusive

JF: John Kavanagh likes to wear high heel shoes and lipstick

Fight Hounds would like to thank John for taking the time out to do this interview. Cage Contender 7 “Fields Vs. Kelly” takes place (November 13th, 2020) at the Kings Hall Belfast. Tickets are still on sale at Ticketmaster.ie