George Staines makes the walk at Almighty Fighting Championship 25 later today and he promises to entertain.
Almighty FC makes it’s return to the Metrodome in Barnsley for the second time this year with a thrilling card lined-up.
We caught up with George Staines pre-fight to get this thoughts. Read the full interview below.
Interview With George Staines
We are in your ninth fight week George. How have the fight weeks changed since your first fight back in 2018 from an internal standpoint? Perhaps managing the nerves better? Or does it just feel the same as it always has?
It feels the same really mate in terms of managing my nerves because I never really get nervous. I just feel like it’s changed in the professionalism of it all just looking after myself.
Almighty has been very good to you in terms of results in the past and off-course holding the title. What does it mean to you to be holding the belt of one of the top regional shows in the country? Anything you like specifically about the shows that others don’t do?
Yeah, it really has been. It’s great mate it shows that all the work and hours of training that I do pay off. Just how well run it is and how nice of a vibe there is at the show.
Out of all your victories on Almighty, which one has meant the most to you and why?
That’s a hard one mate obviously when I first won a belt against Marlon. But I’d say my favourite fight was my debut.
It’s no secret you’ve cruised through your amateur career and have attained some impressive accolades. Number 1 ranked featherweight and lightweight in the UK, as well as holding two titles in two different organisations. If you were to turn to the pro-ranks tomorrow, would you be 100% satisfied with your amateur career or do you feel there’s still more to achieve and learn?
Ahh, thank you very much. I feel like I could go pro but there is always more to learn and you never stop learning. In terms of things to achieve in the amateur ranks, I feel like there are things to do such as the IMMAFS. But obviously I can’t stay an amateur forever.
On that note, have you and your team put a timeline on when you want to make that leap to the pro-ranks, or is it not even in the mind ahead of Saturday?
Obviously I’m not looking past Aaron whatsoever but I’ll be hopefully looking to go pro by at least 2023.
You’ll put your belt up for grabs against Aaron Givens. When Ray approached you with this matchup, can you tell us your initial thoughts at the time and your thoughts on Givens as an opponent?
When I found out I was fighting Aaron my initial thoughts were that he’s a good opponent with a lot of experience so it will be an interesting fight.
Why was mixed martial arts the path you decided to go down? What made you fall in love with putting your body through its paces every day and competing inside a cage?
I’m not sure really mate. I’ve been training since the age of 7 and have just loved it ever since I started. And I’ve never thought about doing anything else.
There’s a lot of tape on Givens to digest. I won’t ask about his weaknesses as that’s an area you’ll be looking to exploit. However, where do you feel his strengths are that you have to be cautious of?
Yeah, there’s a fair bit of tape on him. I feel like his strengths are in the feet as he seems to have good striking.
Why should people tune in to Almighty FC this Saturday to watch George Staines vs Aaron Givens battle it out for gold?
People should watch because I’m never in a boring fight and will always put on a good show so expect to be entertained.
Lastly, can we get an official fight prediction? How do you envision you getting it done on Saturday night?
I don’t really do predictions mate, just always predict a good fight.
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Featured image credits to @dn4photography on Instagram
