Anas Hamrad declares his ambition to prove he’s the best amateur heavyweight in the UK this Saturday at Almighty Fighting Championship 33.
Hamrad will make the walk after two-backed-to-back cancelled fights, so he’s not competed in MMA since 2022. Frustration turned into determination to put on a show. Hamrad is eager to display the hours he’s been putting in perfecting his craft.
Ahead of his fight with Josh Carrick in the Barnsley Metrodome next Saturday, we had the chance to speak with Anas Hamrad. Hear his full-thoughts below.
Anas Hamrad on a Mission
Anas, Nov. 25, you’ll make the walk at Almighty Fighting Championship 33. Talk to me. It’s obviously been a frustrating time for you with fight cancellations this year. How are you feeling mentally? Has it been hard?
As I am sure you know, pullouts are always frustrating, especially when they happen on the day of the fight when it is about to go down. I am feeling amazing, physically and mentally; I feel prepared and ready for war.
You had both fights with Damian cancelled. What had been wrong, and if an injury, is that issue corrected now? Are you healthy and ready to perform in two weeks?
I believe Both pullouts happened because my opponent could not pass his medicals due to a heart condition. I have no injuries, Alhamdulillah. I am ready to put on a show for the Almighty fans.
Hamrad Talks Mentality
How much has mentality been a huge part of your prep for this fight, given everything you’ve gone through with fight cancellations this year?
Cancellations, as frustrating as they are, mean nothing to me. I am training throughout the year without breaks, so I am always ready and prepared.
We’ve not seen you in a competitive MMA setting since mid-2022. How much better has Anas Hamrad got since that fight? Are we going to be surprised how much you’ve levelled up since then?
I haven’t fought in MMA for more than a year, but I’ve been levelling up nonstop. I train with the best In the country, and I am coached by the best. On Nov. 25, I will put on a show inshallah and show that there are levels to this.
Josh Carrick is the man who stands across the cage from you on fight night. The experience advantage lies with him. Do you expect that to play any major factor when the cage door closes on you both?
His experience means nothing to me. Nor his skills. When the cage is closed, business will be done.
Looking at His Opponent
When you look into Josh’s game and break down his skill set, what do you see? What do you expect from him, and would you say this is your toughest test yet?
Every fight poses a different test, no matter who’s in front of you. I would say he’s different from guys I’ve fought before, but like I said, I train with the best, and I have an amazing team around me. We will be prepared. I know I have the skills and more to get him out of there and focus on what lies ahead.
Josh isn’t a man who likes involving the judges. I assume you don’t either. Is it safe to say that the judges can take the night off?
Judges won’t be needed. They can enjoy the show.
Almighty FC 33, tell me, what are you looking to show/prove?
I want to prove that I am the best amateur heavyweight in the country, and inshallah, I will.
