Paul Redmond talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of Cage Warriors 70
by Alex Dillon @_AlexDillon_
Paul Redmond (9-4) looks to build on his impressive 6-1 Cage Warriors record in Dublin August 16th as he takes on late replacement Alexis Savvidis (8-1). Fighting out of Team Ryano in Dublin, Redmond has only gone to the distance once in his career, making him a highly exciting fighter. We recently caught up with him to get his thoughts ahead of Cage Warriors 70 at The Helix.
Alex: After having multiple opponents pull out on you, you're now fighting Alexis Savvidis who is 8-1 so far in his career. How much has this affected your preparations and game plan, preparing for one fight only for it to become a different fight?
Redmond: To be honest it hasn't affected my preparations for the fight at all. I've been working hard on everything and I generally don't read too much into my opponents anymore, my coach Andy Ryan does all the research and drills everything that's necessary along with teaching me some new tricks. So come fight night I'm good to go.
Alex: Have you had a chance to study Savvidis at all? If so what so you think he does well, and what are his weaknesses?
Redmond: As i said I haven't really looked at him too much. On paper he's a submission guy but from what I heard hes wild in the standup so that creates a few problems being so unorthodox but as I said I'm focused on myself and looking at what I'm going to do.
Alex: I've watched a little bit of footage on Savvidis and I noticed his striking can get a little wild at times, without necessarily giving the game plan away, have you focused more on your boxing over the last few weeks in anticipation to strike with Savvidis?
Redmond: I've been working a lot on my standup and its one of the things I haven't really shown too much of but i can hang with anyone standing up sometimes its just a case of doing what I do best in there and I sure do love a good takedown.
Alex: How does it truly feel to fight in front of your home crowd? Do you think that it does indeed give you a distinct advantage over an opponent come fight night?
Redmond: There's no better feeling than fighting in front of everyone that's there to support you but i don't think it gives an extra edge to be honest. I've fought in the UK on shows against local guys like i am at The Helix, got booed and I still performed at my best and won. Technique and heart wins fights, not the crowd.
Alex: With 8 of your wins coming via TKO or submission, do your gameplan’s revolve around finishes and how do you see yourself winning the fight this Saturday?
Redmond: I always look for the finish always that's why at the end of my last fight against Damien Brown i looked pissed off. i was freaked i couldn't get the finish and let it go to the judges as that's the first time I've needed them in my fights win or lose. I'm not too sure what way the fight goes but ill be jumping on anything he gives me.
Alex: With the recent success of Irish MMA and in particular your team mate Neil Seery within the UFC, is this a goal that you are constantly striving towards and do you believe it’s more reality than a dream that you will end up there if you carry on winning impressively under Cage Warriors?
Redmond: Obviously everyone that's serious about competing mma ultimately wants to fight in the ufc its a no brainer and to say i haven't thought about it, id be lying. but i never get too far ahead of myself and this Saturday I've a job to do on Cage Warriors and nothing else matters for now.
Alex: Speaking of Neil Seery, how good was it to be in his corner at the UFC Dublin to see Seery pick up his first UFC win, and did seeing Seery win in front of an electric crown give you any extra motivation going into this fight? Do you feel more pumped up than ever?
Redmond: Ah man seeing Neil get a win like that in front of all them Irish lunatics in the crowd was unreal from the second we walked out they never stopped and egging him on with every kick on the ground was class ha. It just goes to show he should have been fighting at the top flight for years and I'm chuffed he did get the call before he hung up his gloves. It is true though the Irish really are the greatest fans on earth.
not that I've ever needed extra motivation to train or fight as i love the sport but yeah seeing that does give you an extra kick alright.
Alex: I know you have previously flirted with the idea of going to 145, is featherweight still a possibility for you?
Redmond: Yeah i was messing around with the idea of 145 as I'm probably the smallest in the division and its just not feesable to do with the hours i work. Plus I've been winning at 155 so if it ain't broke don't fix it. as the gaffer Andy always says its not a bodybuilding competition I've got cardio for days at lightweight where some of the bigger guys fall short because of there massive weight cuts so for now I'm a 155er.
Alex: You have finished 5 out of your 7 opponents during your Cage Warriors stint whilst building a 6-1 record in the promotion. With this in mind, what's next for you with a win on Saturday?
Redmond: As i said I'm not one to jump the gun so i really don't know whats next in line for me after Saturday and i really am not thinking about it.
Alex: Fellow Irishman Joe Duffy is heading the show on Saturday, do you see Duffy as a possibly opponent in the future?
Redmond: Joe's a class fighter looking forward to seeing him back in the cage, as far as a future opp that's up to the top brass at CW but ill fight anyone in the division you've got to be able to fight anyone if you're aiming for the belt.
Alex: Finally, who would you like to give a shout out to in the lead up to Saturday?
Redmond: I just want to thank my head coach Andy Ryan, Neil Seery, everyone at team Ryano, Vita Coco, Legacy Wear, Mc Nutrition, Spiral Massage Therapists and South Dublin Strength and Conditioning.
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