James Dixon is returning to the Octagon with a fire in his belly and promises those attending he will bring nothing but violence at Golden Ticket Fight Promotions 20.
Dixon makes his return to competition after a 9-month hiatus and meets Danish native Milan Silva on Sept.3.
Golden Ticket Fight Promotions return for their 20th instalment. The K.K Steelmill plays host as always, and if you’re attending, you can anticipate an exceptional night of fights.
We had the pleasure of speaking with James Dixon before battle. Read the full interview below.
Interview With James Dixon
It’s been 9-months since we last saw you in the Octagon. How has the break been for you and life in general outside the Octagon?
My break from the Octagon was completely unintentional. Unfortunately, I suffered a broken nose and orbital bone in my last fight, which left me out of action for a couple of months. I was ready to compete earlier than September; however, the UK “fighters” struggle to embody what it actually means to be a fighter. Regardless the time away has healed my injuries, and thankfully I teach 30 hours per week, so even when my body was unable to train, my mind still stayed engaged.
Do you feel the benefit of a little break will show on fight night, or are you a strong believer in “ring rust”? How does one cope with that if so?
Although embellished by the MMA media, ring rust undoubtedly exists. I’m no stranger to long periods of time away from the cage, and I find a strong mind and lots of visualisation mitigate the negative effects. Don’t forget though I have a number of both professional and amateur athletes underneath me. Since my time away, I have still made the walk to the ring or cage numerous times.
James Dixon Talks Wife’s Success
I have to ask due to her recent success. Your wife has been killing it as of late. Just how motivating is it for you to grind alongside her and both achieve your goals together? That must put an extra spring in your step when preparing.
Sometimes belief alone isn’t enough. Seeing Melissa’s rapid ascension in the MMA ranks first-hand has helped me realise success is not only achievable but inevitable to those that work hard.
I like to ask those I have never had the opportunity to speak to how they got into the sport. Do you have interesting stories in that regard?
I’m fortunate enough to of experienced love at first sight twice in my life: Of course, when Melissa stepped foot in my gym for the very first time but also long before that; when I first saw MMA on TV (The Ultimate Fighter UK vs USA). I knew at that moment it was what I was put on this planet to do.
Previous Fights
Your last outing came at the end of the year and unfortunately didn’t fall in your favour. Have you watched the fight back, and what do you feel went wrong?
Many mistakes were made both in the preparation and the fight itself, but listing them would be pointless. If it was a battlefield, excuses wouldn’t save me from my demise. I have addressed the issues and will come into this fight far better prepared.
On the night, you meet Milan Silva, who hasn’t had the best start to his pro career. How do you feel about the matchup, and what problems do you feel he can cause you if any? or do you feel you have the edge in every department when comparing your skill-sets?
You put the devil on the other side, and I’ll come to fight: Milan is my devil. He has an awkward rhythm to his striking and dangerous grappling. I’ve mentally prepared to face the best possible Milan Saturday night. That being said, I plan to dismantle him in every facet of MMA.
Levelling Up
With September 3rd on the horizon and a rejuvenated James is ready to make the walk. What would you say to those who are expecting the same James Dixon to show up as last time?
I train, teach and study fighting 52 weeks a year. If you ever think it’ll be the same James Dixon stepping into that cage, you’re greatly mistaken. You will all see on September 3rd just how much I’ve levelled up.
A win over Milan Silva puts you back into the win column. What’s the plan for the rest of the year, or is that something you’ve not thought about?
I have a list of people I’d happily punch in the face free of charge. I plan to fight again at the end of 2022. I just hope one of the mince tits accepts the fight.
Lastly, how does James Dixon and Milan Silva unfold at GTFP 20?
Fighting is the most unpredictable sport in the world. I cannot tell you how this will unfold, but what I can conclusively say is we will both turn up, we will both be locked in a cage, and we will both commit terrible acts of violence against one another.
Featured image credits to Russell Dixon
