In the current MMA climate, many consider the flyweight division at any level to be boring but, for the UK MMA scene, this is the total opposite. Not only do we have a quality bunch of professional flyweights but, the amateur rankings are home to some real top talent. Saturday's fight at FCC 12 at the Bolton Macron Stadium see's amateur flyweight champion Aaron Robinson (3-2) defend his title against John Shink (6-0) in a fight which pits the two very best amateur flyweights against each other to see who is number one.
We caught up with Shink to get his thoughts ahead of the fight and much more.
Hi John, thanks for taking the time to speak to us during fight week, how has preparation gone for this fight?
Shink: I approach each fight the same way with a few tweaks at the end on camp depending on the style of the fighter. I feel really good.
In your last fight, you finished one of the brightest UK amateur flyweights in Connor Hitchens, how did it feel to put away such a talented youngster and cement yourself as one of the best amateur flyweights in the country?
I was sure that I could get the job done so I just had to prove it. I wasn't at my best on that day so it was more of a relief. As for the best amateur flyweight, It feels good but I'm looking to be the best flyweight at pro level.
You train at Morefire BJJ as well as Kaang Raang in Dunstable if I'm correct, how do you balance training at both gyms and can you tell us a bit about what training entails day to day at both gyms?
I alternate between each gym on a daily basis. I do strength and conditioning every morning before I train in the evening. A typical Thai class starts with a drill to warm up our hands and leg. Then we get on to drilling techniques and spar at the end. Jui jitsu has a similar structure too.
You're fighting at FCC 12 this weekend against the FCC amateur flyweight champion Aaron Robinson, have you watched much footage of your opponent? If so, what do you think his strengths are and weaknesses you can exploit?
I've watched his fights and he has decent hands, good movement. But he his easy to take down. He hasn't fought for a while so he could have improved. My coaches will find out his strengths and weaknesses while we fight on Saturday.
The fight is widely considered as the two best amateur flyweights going at it to be crowned the best in the country, how does that make you feel?
I feel I already am the best. There can only be one, so I like that competitive feeling knowing there's no other that can take my place. Aaron is just the final step.
You've fought on many shows winning many titles but how much would it mean to you to win the FCC title?
FCC is a great MMA promotion with exciting fighters. Winning the FCC belt would mean a lot to me as I would be one of their champions. Also I would be taking it from the current champ. The feeling of achieving my goal cannot be described. But I know I will be very happy.
We understand you are turning pro in June, can you talk us through that move and also why you took this fight so soon after winning your last rather than just wait for the pro fight?
I didn't get injured during my fight with Connor and I want as many fight experience as I can in order to prepare me for pro. There are not many people at our weight class to fight and if I was to continue at amateur level I wouldn't be getting any challenging fights so it makes sense to turn pro.
What can those in attendance on Saturday expect from you?
I hope to put on a show and give the audience what they want, an exciting fight in all aspects!
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