Cage Warriors Academy Wales 8 will see the return of 25-year-old Ryan Lockyer. The Welshman will take on Scottish lightweight Lorenzo Parente at the Ebbw Vale Sports Centre this Saturday.
Both men will come into this card with a great deal of amateur experience. It is that experience that will make this fight unmissable for all those tuning in.
Training with The MAT Academy
Lockyer’s record currently stands at 5-8, with his most recent fight coming in June of this year. Every one of his wins has come via finish, and he’ll be looking to do so once again Saturday night.
A product of The MAT Academy in Pontypridd, Wales. The lightweight has stated he is feeling great ahead of his next bout and excited to get back in front of the Welsh crowd.
His last win came in June 2021, and since then, it’s been one difficult opponent after the other. “I’ve just been working on my mistakes,” states Lockyer after his recent scraps.
“The biggest adjustment I’ve made is to be a bit more patient. Sometimes I get into a dominant position and rush for the finish. So, I’m now trying to take my time a little and let the opportunities present themselves.”
MAT Academy is home to some of Wales’ best active fighters. Names such as; Lewis Long, Ben Ellis and Aaron Khalid are just a few of the names associated with the gym.
“I’m very privileged to be able to train at such a good gym. I know a lot of fighters who have one or so coaches at their gym. Whereas I have multiple black belts to be coached by and roll with. I have two Muay Thai coaches to help my striking, and I have a former Iranian wrestling team member for a wrestling coach.
“To top it off, I’ve got my head coach, the living legend Lew Long. I also get to spar with top pros like Ben Ellis and Aaron Khalid. I’m very lucky to have such a good gym at my doorstep.”
Facing Lorenzo Parente
Lorenzo Parente will make the trip down to South Wales with a record of 7-5. Five of his victories came by way of submission. Therefore, Lockyer is expecting a tactical grappler when they face-off.
“I had a little look at his fights. He seems to be more of a grappler, but you never know what’s going to happen. I believe I’m ready for whatever he does.”
A potentially grapple-heavy approach from Parente certainly won’t put off Ryan. He states: “I see myself as more of a striker. But most of my wins are by submission, so I’m obviously not one-dimensional. I look for the finish on the feet and on the ground. If we’re clinched up, I’m looking to slam you to the mat.”
Now aged 25, the Welshman believes a switch to pro fighting is on the horizon but is happy where he’s at right now.
“Competing is what excites me and drives me. I just want to compete at a high level as long as possible. Whether it’s MMA, Muay Thai or K1. Also, I’m now coaching the kids classes at the gym and I’m starting to corner my teammates more and more.
“Coaching is definitely in my future. In five years time I hope to be making a good living between fighting and coaching.”
Ryan Lockyer takes on Lorenzo Parente this Saturday at CWAW8. We will be covering the whole event right here. Stay tuned.
Featured image credits to Ryan Lockyer
