Rasmus Elnaes is all set for his second amateur contest this Saturday at Battle Arena Northampton at the Northants Country Cricket Club.
The card is set to be stacked with notable and up-and-coming talent, and Rasmus is looking to make a statement. The Norwegian-based fighter is no stranger to the Battle Arena cage, having made his debut last year with the promotion. It took him two rounds to latch onto a rear naked choke and kickstart his career with a bang.
Looking to showcase his improvements, Rasmus Elnaes promises to do everything in his power to put on a show for the Battle Arena faithful. We had the pleasure of speaking with him ahead of his trip to Northampton. Read the full interview below.
Interview With Rasmus Elnaes
Rasmus, you return to Battle Arena this Saturday, this time in Northampton. How has life been since you made your amateur debut last time out?
Life hasn’t changed that much really. The attention has increased, and the rumour has spread that I fought, but all focus has been on improving and achieving more. Im hungry for more and finally have the date and the person I will go to war against next.
Touching on your debut, which saw you submit Sam Johnson in the contest’s second round. How did you enjoy the whole process and experience?
I loved it. The process is always heavy, but I have an amazing team that has my back through thick and thin, so there is always something positive to take away from the days spent with them. The experience can’t be explained. It’s hard but so rewarding, not only physically but also mentally.
Making your debut is a daunting and nerve-wracking experience. If you can rewind back, how did you feel in there in terms of nerves and comfortability as a whole?
I remember everything from the last fight, and the nerves were not to be seen. I really looked forward to the edgy feeling of going in there and putting it all on the line, but the focus and the strive to succeed took over. The win itself was not the best part of the fight. If anything, it felt like something was missing and the strive to get in there again hit as soon as my hand was raised.
Rasmus Elanes on Second Amateur Bout
Having made the walk once before, placed your feet on the canvas and got the first one out of the way. Do you expect the lead-up, fight day, to be much smoother this time around?
Everything will be smoother, better organized and better prepared this time. Everyone on the team is ready, and we do not travel that far to not put on a show.
I like to ask those who we’ve yet to have the privilege to talk to on their first MMA experience and why it’s a path you decided to pursue.
I have always been starstruck by the art of fighting, and some of my cousins have competed in MMA professionally, which I always found inspiring. As soon as my football career was over, I approached Halden Combat Academy, and they welcomed me with their arms wide open. Now my father and sister are training as well, and my sister will be competing alongside me on the 20th of May.
I quickly noticed how my coach (Daniel Tryggvason) and my training partners treated each other like family, and it made me fall in love with the sport all over again.
Opposition
You’ll face Tyreece Richards, who’s making his return to MMA after a few years out of actively competing. What do you know about your opponent, and how do you feel you match up against him?
I know he is a tough challenge and that it will be a hell of a war to get the wanted results. But I am ready, and I sure hope he is as well. Im really happy with the matchup, even though it was very last minute, and the challenge ahead is something I look really forward to.
Are you someone who likes to watch previous fights of your opponent as preparation? If so, did you have the chance to watch his previous two fights back? If so, what are your thoughts? Anything good or bad you see there?
Yes, of course, I have seen his fight. But I let my coach and training partners analyze so I can trust and go along with the game plan. He is a good fighter, and as I mentioned earlier, it will be a war.
Considering he’s been out for so long, what do you expect Tyreece to bring? If he had consistently trained during his time away, he could have added many new tools to his arsenal. If he hasn’t, he could be suffering from ring rust and lack of cage time over the years.
I expect and hope he will bring his A-game to the table and is ready for the challenge I plan on bringing him on Saturday. I do not care what he has been doing outside the ring. I trust the game plan, and I trust in my ability to make it happen.
Representing his Home Nations
What does it mean to you to be representing your country in competition? Something that must fill you with pride.
Yes, it is with great honour to represent Norway when we fight, but I am also Swedish, so it’s a 50/50 split there. I wear both flags with pride!
Leave us with your official fight prediction. How does Rasmus Elnaes move to 2-0 this Saturday in Northampton?
It will get ugly. I will do everything in my power to end this man. 2-0. There is nothing more to be said.
I will leave you with the last word, is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank Rikelektro and Jensen & Scheele for sponsoring us and believing in our ability to perform and entertain.
Featured image credits to Battle Arena
