Mike Mchugh is excited to make his mixed martial return after undergoing a lengthy lay-off out of competition.
Mchugh will make the walk after four years away from the cage at Almighty Fighting Championship 28, on Saturday, November 26th at the Barnsley Metrodome.
The show put together by Ray Thompson, and his new partner Liam Cann is excepted to be the promotions biggest card they’ve done to date. As always with Almighty FC those attending can anticipate a fun-filled night of amateur and professional action.
Ahead of fight night, we spoke with Mike Mchugh who will be among the action. Read the full interview below.
Interview With Mike Mchugh
You are set to make your MMA return after 4 years out of competition. How are you feeling ahead of your return to the cage? A mix of nerves or excitement?
Mostly excitement. I’ve been training hard and really looking forward to getting back in the cage and showcasing the improvements I’ve made.
Your last two outings in 2017 didn’t fall in your favour. Was that the reason for the large break in-between fights to just spend time focussing on improving, or what was the reason behind taking such a long lay-off?
A month after my last loss in 2017 my youngest of three kids was born. So, I obviously took some time off which turned into a long time off. I got really out of shape and didn’t train at all until the beginning of this year. The desire to get back into it was always there but just never really put into action.
Mike Mchugh Talks Time Away From MMA
A lot can change in four years, and your skill set can improve tremendously. Are you completely satisfied with the progress you’ve made, and where do you feel you’ve improved the most as opposed to 2018?
I’m feeling amazing ahead of this fight. I’ve made a lot of changes and improved everywhere. My last fights were all at 84kg so ive dropped a lot of weight, but feel brilliant for it, my fitness has come a long, long way.
What would you have to say to Tom Holtby who expects the same Mike McHugh to show up in 2018?
That old fighter is long gone.
Are you a believer in ring rust or not? If so, is that a mental factor you need to quickly dust off when stepping inside the cage at Almighty FC 28?
I don’t think that’s going to be an issue, training at AVT with the skillset of my training partners is top-notch. I’m feeling very ready and confident for whatever gets thrown at me in there.
Tom Holtby as an Opponent
The matchup as a whole against Tom Holtby. How do you view the matchup from a stylistic standpoint? Do you think it’s a great fight for your return to see you back in the win column and pick up some momentum?
I do yeah, he seems like a very strong, young and hungry lad whos game for it. Think I’m around 11 years older than him so looking forward to the challenges he can bring to me. The plan is to end this year 2-2 then scrap as much as I can next year.
Watching his previous fights, have you been able to take anything away from that? Any strengths or weaknesses you can pinpoint?
I watched his last fight and he went through his opponent easily and finished him with ground and pound. He looks like he likes his wrestling and grappling, which has always been a strong point for me too, so maybe this fight isn’t going to be stood up for very long.
Lastly, on November 26th in Barnsley, how does Mike Mchugh get it done, and how do you plan on celebrating?
Definitely gonna be a pint of Guinness and a pizza!
I’m hoping this fight is gonna go the distance with me winning the unanimous decision, and rack up some cage time.
