Ahead of her upcoming contest on Caged Steel, Izabel Bailey won’t be discouraged regardless of the outcome of the fight and will hold her head high after March 19th.
The Doncaster Dome is set to host another action-packed night of fights this Saturday, as Caged Steel 28 has been put together by promoter Dominic Gibbs.
As always, the show consists of a handful of amateur bouts and professional bouts. Last year saw Caged Steel add ‘Caged Boxing’ to their fight card, so boxing fans can also expect some thrilling entertainment on the night.
Among the action is amateur flyweight Izabel Bailey, who enters the cage for the second time in her short career. We had the opportunity of speaking with Izabel before her fight on Saturday.
Interview With Izabel Bailey
One week out from your second time competing inside the cage, first on a stage like Cage Steel. As we approach fight-week, how are emotions leading up to fight night? Are you finding it easier to deal with the nerves compared to your first fight?
Im handling my emotions pretty well. I was very nervous before my interview with caged steel. Then my nerves disappeared, and my excitement took full attention in its place. I’m finding it easier to deal with emotions this time, and I believe my emotions will be easier to handle in my coming fights.
I like to ask people I’ve not had the pleasure of speaking with why MMA was a journey they felt they wanted to pursue. What is your story on getting involved in mixed martial arts?
My younger sister helped me in finding my love for the sport. While she would train, I would go and participate in running. However, it didn’t last long as I was bullied for reasons I had no clue about. One day I decided I wanted to have a go and I was allowed to join in. Since then I’ve loved everything bout the sport. I want to become a role model eventually to younger girls and show them that MMA is not just a boy’s sport.
Izabel Talks First Fight
After being in there once, how did you enjoy the experience as a whole? You obviously enjoyed yourself if it lured you back in for another fight?
The lessons I learnt are that you have to be very fluid and you have no time to stop and think as you would in training because if you do you’re going to get beat up. I’m hoping to implement both of these into my fight on Saturday.
You will meet a Michaela Clarke on fight night. What do you know about your opponent, if anything? What are you expecting Michaela to bring to the table?
I honestly don’t know much about Michaela, but I know she’s a very good opponent. I’m expecting a good fight that’ll help me better myself as a fighter in the long run.
What Has the Main Focus in Camp Been?
What has been the main focus in training in preparation for Michaela, or has it been a case of focusing on sharpening your complete skill-set? Is there anything you’ve worked on more than the other that you look forward to showcasing?
I would say my main focus in training is definitely everything. You can never go wrong by sharpening and practising everything. There’s no point in working one more than the other as when it comes to the one you haven’t trained as much in that where you’re going to lack. So, I find it best to train all.
Lastly, for those who will be attending to watch you compete and those tuning in on PPV. What can they expect to see from Michaela Clarke on March 19th?
They can expect to see a good fight and entertainment. No matter what happens, I’m going to be proud of myself as I’ve had the courage to stand in a cage with another person who wants to win as badly as I do and fight in front of loads of people.
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Featured image credits to Izabel Bailey
