Englishman Dan Kitchen will have his first crack at amateur MMA gold this Saturday at Cage Warriors Academy Wales 10 in Ebbw Vale. The 29-year-old is no stranger to the CWAW cards, having featured on a number of occasions in the past. This time he has the opportunity to leave South Wales with a belt wrapped around his waist.
The event’s tenth instalment will feature three huge title fights. Levi Batchelor is set to defend his featherweight title against Italy’s Yassine El Madhi. Roan Crocker makes his return to fighting as he takes on Farshad Nazarnia as they compete for the vacant light-heavyweight strap.
And as mentioned, the third will see Dan Kitchen take on Ollie Wilde for the vacant lightweight belt. It’s another excellent line-up and if Kitchen gets his way, he’ll be the man making the headlines.
Dan Kitchen’s First Title Opportunity
The Englishman’s amateur record currently stands at 4-1, with his only loss coming back in 2019. As well as that, all four of his wins have come by submission. Most recently, a first round rear-naked choke win against Shore MMA’s Jack Beazley back in March. A win that has ultimately propelled him into title contention.
Speaking on his return, he stated: “fighting for the title has made me much more composed and confident. I believe that this has shown throughout my recent training and it will be evident on the night. It will be a good feeling when I have that belt wrapped around my waist”.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with Dan, he would describe himself as, “suffocating, aggressive and dangerous”, and is always hunting for the finish.
Taking on Ollie Wilde
Young Welsh fighter, Ollie Wilde, is also riding an impressive win-streak. Three wins in a row and now ready for his first crack at gold also. The MAT Academy lightweight’s last fight was finished in round one after a brutal TKO finish.
Speaking on his fight with Wilde, Kitchen said: “as with any of my previous opponents, my coach, Dave Matthews, will tell me I have a fight lined up and we will get to work. I’m not the type of person who will hand-pick fights and ask for easy opportunities. I like to earn my right, both in the cage and in life.
“In all honesty, I just want a good scrap. If he hits hard, I’ll hit harder. Anything less than a finish will be disappointing for me. I have seen his previous fights and I’m confident I’ll be his toughest opponent to date.”
Coming over to take on a fighter in his backyard can be daunting, but Dan doesn’t let it phase him. “I’m used to being in high pressure environments and that’s where I excel. When people doubt me, I prove them wrong. A good crowd always helps, it’s all for the entertainment and I hope to make it worth their while”.
Preparation
Yet another rising star coming out of Lions Den gym in Exeter. Despite living in Weston-Super-Mare, Kitchen travels one hour to each training session. Speaking on his gym he explained: “I’ve enjoyed every minute!”.
“Dave is a very experienced coach and one of the wisest men I know. A true mentor. The stable of fighters at The Den is phenomenal and you will see them all come through in the near future. Each fighter is definitely one to watch. I believe that fighting for the title has motivated the team more, in particular the younger generation, who will be a real problem in the years to come.”
Other Lions Den fighters competing on the night includes; Malaki Lynch and Taylor Sullivan.
Fight Night
His record speaks for itself, but Dan’s promised to back it all up this Saturday.
“The fans can expect me to give 100%. I don’t do half measures and when I set my mind to something, I achieve it. My prediction would be a round one submission and the lightweight belt around my waist.”
The part-time firefighter is feeling confident just days out. He is aiming for a couple more fights this year and aims to be one of the best amateur lightweights in the country.
Dan Kitchen takes on Ollie Wilde at Cage Warriors Academy Wales 10 this Saturday in Ebbw Vale. The two will compete with lightweight gold on the line and you can get all the news and updates on the card, right here. Stay tuned.
Featured image credits to Cage Warriors Academy Wales
