EXCLUSIVE MMABay interview with Simeon Thoresen ahead of his UFC on FUEL TV 2 showdown with Besam Yousef
MMABay continues it’s trend of interviews this month with an EXCLUSIVE interview with promotional newcomer, Simeon Thoresen ahead of his UFC on FUEL TV 2 showdown with Besam Yousef. We ask him what it means to the region, how he plans on picking up a win on his promotional debut and his hopes for the future. To find out what he had to say check out the interview on the other side…
Hi Simeon,
Thank you for taking the time to sit down with MMABay.co.uk and answer a few of our questions.
Thoresen – Anytime.
MMABay – You were last seen in action on the Ultimate Warrior Challenge 17 card in October where you picked up an impressive first minute submission win over Manuel Garcia. What were you able to take from such a quick fight?
Thoresen – Not much (lol).
MMABay – The fight marked your first defence of the Ultimate Warrior Challenge welterweight title. Do you think this helped you stand-out as far as the UFC are concerned or have negotiations been ongoing for some time?
Thoresen – I hope so, but we have been in contact with them for some time.
MMABay – You’ll make your octagon debut on the UFC on FUEL TV 2 event on April 14th in Stockholm, Sweden, not far from your home town of Oslo in Norway. What does it mean for the Scandinavian region as a whole to finally be hosting a UFC event?
Thoresen – It is a big deal for everybody up here and will give much needed attention for MMA up here in Scandinavia.
MMABay – You’ll be taking on another newcomer to the UFC in the form of Besam Yousef who is undefeated as a professional at 6-0. In contrast you have fought almost twenty times as a professional, amassing a 16-2-1 record. Do you think your extensive experience will benefit you on the night, especially when it comes to those octagon jitters?
Thoresen – I certainly hope so, but I am still preparing for the fight of my life.
MMABay – You’ve become known as somewhat of a submission artist over the years, winning fourteen of your sixteen victories in this manner. After studying his tapes do you see this as your greatest advantage over Yousef?
Thoresen – Yeah I think my submission game will be my greatest strength, but I always try to improve in all the areas of my game.
MMABay – You train alongside former PRIDE and DREAM veteran, Joachim Hansen at Hellboy Hansen MMA. Has he been able to pass along any advice about fighting on the biggest stages in the world?
Thoresen – Just stay calm and be focused.
MMABay – Just in case some of our readers haven’t seen you fight before can you sum up in a few words what they can expect to see out of you come April 14th inside the octagon?
Thoresen – They can expect to see an entertaining fight.
MMABay – Before we go are there any sponsors, trainers or training partners you’d like to mention?
Thoresen – I would like to thank my manager Alex Burzotta, my training partners Jack Hermansson, Mohsen Bahari, Hakon Foss and Raino Dokken.
MMABay – Thanks for taking the time to speak to MMABay.co.uk.
Thoresen – You’re welcome.
(An exclusive interview for MMABay.co.uk)
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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