“Everyone better bring a beer hat because they’re going to need their hands for clapping or waving in the air!”
Next weekend Full contact Contender host a blockbuster night of amateur and professional mixed martial arts from their home at the De Veres Suite in Bolton’s Macron Stadium. Among the six titles on the line is a stand out bantamweight battle between two of the amateur scenes top stars.
Ben Dearden is testament to FCC’s commitment to bringing amateur talent through on a stage fit for professional fighters. Having appeared on a couple of FCC cards in the past ‘The Handyman’ is all but set to turn pro. Before he does that he will have the chance to capture the vacant FCC 135lbs title against his toughest test to date, MMA Academy’s Robbie Fallon (4-1)
October 18th will be Dearden’s third fight in as many months, though after a 9 month break, he intends to stay busy;
“I’ve always wanted to be busy, I really have, but unfortunately that’s not the game we are in. Injuries, opponents pulling out and personal reasons have kept me from being as active as I would like to be. Every fighter knows what I’m talking about and have experienced this first hand. I’m hoping to have a lot of pro fights each year”
Having fought for the FCC featherweight title previously the 30 year old is riding a 3 fight win streak and feels at home in the bantamweight division as he explains;
“I feel at bantam I’m generally faster and lighter on my feet which plays to my strengths. Also, bantamweights aren’t anywhere near as strong as featherweights that I’ve experienced anyway. I can handle myself at 145lbs but as you go up in talent/opponent that 10lbs starts to make a difference hence the Joshua Jarvis fight.” (FCC 3 fight here)
Training out of HAMMA gym in their newly kitted out home in St Helens, Dearden is among several domestic stand outs Sean Martin has produced. His opponent Robbie Fallon is from a Jiu Jitsu background, though he’s working all areas as he told us here (A word with Robbie Fallon) ‘The Handyman’ has no problems as an all rounder in dealing with a high level BJJ practitioner.
“Firstly let me just say BJJ isn’t MMA it’s BJJ, the same way ping pong isn’t tennis. Don’t get me wrong knowing BJJ isn’t detrimental to your skill set..just knowing grappling or just MMA is superior in my opinion. I won’t have to neutralise or work around anything, for all we know I’m better than him on the ground. This is the benefit of fighting, we will find out. Put it this way the people who know me won’t be shocked if I submit him.
When I took the fight I knew nothing about him, that’s no offence to him as I’ve been away for 9 months. I’ve heard the obvious things about him doing jiu jitsu and all that but that is of no interest to me. Jiu jitsu is a totally different sport and anybody who’s has done both (which I have) will know this. I’m more curious about the skills we haven’t seen and I’m looking to get these answers at FCC!”
Those who have seen Dearden’s previous fights, in particular FOTN at against Javonne Morrison will be aware of his striking ability, under the guidance of Dave Faulkner, Ste Heyes and head coach Sean Martin, he has added wrestling to his game that he feels allows him the freedom to dictate where the fight takes place;
“Hey! I love to bang man! But I also love MMA and a large part of that is wrestling. So I started too work on my wrestling with the help of Dave Faulkner, Ste Heyes and Sean Martin. Now I feel I can put the fight where I want it, which allows me to be more free with my striking and grappling knowing I can get up or put them down when I want.”
His opponent has secured all his victories inside the distance and on the point of going the distance, Dearden is clear he can find a way to win.
“Do I believe he gets worse as the fight goes on?…… No! Do I feel as though my chances of winning become better as the fight goes on…..yes.
I’m not just out there randomly hitting stuff, I’m trying to work people out. testing people, figuring out their weaknesses and if I’m better in different areas. Because unfortunately I’m not better than everyone everywhere but I’m better than everyone somewhere. Thus the lovely world of MMA.”
The gold is at stake but with half an eye on turning pro, the pressure of the title is not something that’s affecting the training at HAMMA.
“A fight is a fight to me but obviously I would love the belt to solidify my position as one of the top bantams in the country, paving my way into the pro divisions. The only thing that has changed is when we do shark tanks I get to stay in longer which is just more fun for me.
I’m looking to get my first pro fight, hopefully in December and I’m very excited for that. Of course I’d also like to fight for FCC they are my favourite show after all!”
When asked what the fans can expect, The Handyman is clear, it’ll be worth the call out.
“Finishes! Everyone better bring a beer hat because their going to need their hands for clapping or waving in the air!”
Ben Dearden would like to thank;
Firstly my sponsors:
Makomedia for creating my website bendearden.co.uk.
HAMMA nutrition for sorting all my supplement needs.
Fight equipment for all there on going help.
Would also like to thank our newest sponsor O2!!
Thanks to all my coaches
Sean HAMMA Martin-head coach
Steven Heyes -jui jitsu coach
Jay Gavin -striking coach
Dave Faulkner – MMA coach
Micky Stanno -boxing coach
Eddie Johnson -wrestling coach
ALL OF MY HAMMA BROTHERS
Last but not least my beautiful wife Paula Dearden for her continuing support.
FCC: Full Contact Contender 11 is set to take place Saturday October 18th,from the Bolton Whites Hotel, Macron Stadium, De Havilland Way, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL6 6SF.
Tickets for FCC 11 are available NOW at: www.fccmma.co.uk
You can find FCC: Full Contact Contender at: www.fccmma.co.uk
on Facebook at:www.facebook.com/fullcontactcontender.co.uk
and on Twitter Follow @FCCMMA
'On The Road' with UKMMA 