OK – I’m about to throw myself back into the competitive mix – mixed martial arts that is! Why wouldn’t I? It’s one of the biggest sports – and greatest spectacles – in the world.
I’m a massive fan and so testing myself in the ring is a complete no-brainer. And so there I’ll be in Qatar on Feb 17 making my MMA debut, a showdown between myself and current World’s Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper.
It will be a hard battle. One of the toughest tests of my career. And that’s exactly what I want it to be. What’s the point otherwise? I don’t want to go backwards or sideways. I want to keep pushing myself, because that’s where the most fulfilling experiences in life come from.
I’ve also had the best inside track on what it feels like to be there in the heat of the battle, having trained with UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) contender Tom Aspinall – ranked fourth in the UFC’s heavyweight division, and who holds the record for the five fastest fights in UFC history. The bloke’s a legend and, like all the best legends, is more than happy to help others improve too. Key advice on skills like balance, hand and footwork, has been passed on to me. And there’s no better boost to the confidence than to be around excellence like that.
Qatar’s going to be a big test, but I know also that it will be an experience that will live with me forever. There’s plenty of years ahead for sitting around taking it easy, and I’m not ready to turn into Jim Royle from the Royle Family just yet!
See you on the 17th – tune in and give me a cheer!