Almighty Fighting Championship’s 2022 schedule gets underway this month when the Rainton Arena in Houghton le Spring hosts Almighty Fighting Championship 22 on January 22nd.
Almighty FC closed out 2021 with one of the promotions most successful years to date. Not to forget, collecting awards for the ‘UK’s best promotion’ and deservedly so.
Almighty FC 22 will be the first of twelve shows this year for Ray Thompson and his team, who are anticipating an active year.
Almighty FC 22
Almighty FC is renowned for getting your money’s worth with the hottest talent in the United Kingdom, taking centre stage and constantly providing must-watch entertainment.
On the night, Houghton Le Springs currently hosts nineteen action-packed fights. Headlining the card is Ace MMA’s Shajidul Haque and Polish native Igor Wojtas, who recently closed up shop in Poland and moved to Scotland to train under Brian Gallagher at The Scottish Hit Squad. The two experienced flyweights will battle it out for the Almighty FC flyweight championship.
Before that, Almighty FC fans are treated to a truckload of fun fights featuring exciting amateur and professional contests.
I had the pleasure of catching up with one man who makes the walk on January 22nd in Joe Chew, who will meet the debuting Dylan Nicholson in an amateur bantamweight clash.
Joe Chew Interview
We are closing in on your third amateur fight of your career at Almighty FC 22. How has preparation been ahead of your first fight of the year?
Joe Chew – “The preparation for this fight has been great. I have been working on the areas I needed to improve on from my last fight and feel excellent.”
2021 saw you go 1-1. In your own words, how did you sum up last year for yourself in terms of competition? Were you pleased with yourself?
Joe Chew – “Yes and no, it was nice to get the win in the summer, but in November, it just wasn’t my night. In terms of the overall year, I have improved quite a lot since the year before.”
You made the walk at the end of the year in Liverpool at Almighty FC 21. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go your way, but how much value and what lessons did you take away from the defeat?
Joe Chew – “I have taken away loads from that last fight, and I have tried to better my overall MMA game.”
As previously stated, you’ve fought on Almighty FC before. How much did you enjoy the experience of competing on the show? How happy were you to get the opportunity again?
Joe Chew – “Yes, the buzz of the crowd was mint and I’m glad I am able to fight on Almighty FC again. One of best shows in the country.”
You meet debutant Dylan Nicholson on the night. Is it tricky to prepare for someone making their MMA debut, purely due to not knowing what to expect, what style to prep for and so on?
Joe Chew – “I have prepared for everything. If he wants to take it to the ground, it can go there. If he wants to strike with me, that is also fine result will stay the same.”
Do you consider yourself having an advantage leading into this fight? You’ve already been through the nerves and anxiety of making your debut, you’ve won, and you’ve lost. Not to mention fought in The Olympia in Liverpool with a rowdy crowd in attendance. Do you think the pressure will get to Dylan Nicholson at all, allowing you to capitalise?
Joe Chew – “No, I wouldn’t say I have an advantage on him, but I am more than confident I’ll get the job done.”
For Almighty fans who perhaps didn’t catch your last fight. What can they expect to see from Joe Chews on January 22 at Almighty FC 22?
Joe Chew – “They can expect a dominant performance from myself.”
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Featured Image credits to DN4 Photography
