We recently caught up with 18-year-old Leon Hill (1-0) from the Full Power Gym in Drogheda as he prepares to compete at Cage Warriors 81 in the 3Arena this Saturday night.
Here is our QnA with him:
How did you get into MMA?
I got into this sport because my father watched a lot of UFC. So I joined up and was told it's in me.
What is it like training at Full Power?
Training at Full Power is brilliant. I train twice a day, every day. My coach, Declan Kenna, is crafty and always tricks up his sleeves. I also training with the likes of Decky Dalton, Keith Kavanagh, Matty Whyte, Sean Tyrell etc. The gym is only up and running a year and look what has came out of it.
How would you describe your fighting style?
I'm an all round athlete, I'd describe myself as "smooth" all round.
Who are your inspirations?
My inspirations are my coach and all my team mates.
List your five favourite fighters.
1- Decky Dalton 2-Conor McGregor 3- Khabib Nurmagomedov 4- Tony Ferguson 5- Cody Garbrandt.
What does it mean to you to compete for Cage Warriors at the 3Arena?
It's a big step up in my career and it's an honour to fight on the same show as Conor McGregor once did.
Talk about your opponent.
My opponent is Adam Darby from Team Ryano. I don't know much about him. I'm not one to talk shit as I leave it all in the cage but I can't see it going past the second round.
Have you a prediction for the fight?
Train hard fight easy - that's my prediction
As an amateur fighter, what do you think of the new scans and safety measures being implemented in Irish MMA.
It's really good for safety the side avoiding bad head injuries it is about time it came into amateur fighting.
Quick Fire:
Favourite Submission: D'arce Choke
Favourite Striking Technique: Stabbing Kick to the Liver
Favourite Music: Techno
Favourite Movies: Martial Arts Films
Worst Part of Training: None, I'd train all day every day
Cheat Meal: Pizza
Goal in the Sport: To be world champion in the UFC
*title image via KO Media
