Peter Irving: Lightweight Division Threat

Date submitted: 16 October 2006

Interview by: Matthew Finney

Featuring: Peter Irving

Submitted by: White Belt

MMA Universe

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In the run up to Cage Warriors: Showdown 2, we will be introducing you to the Lightweight Grand Prix contenders. In this interview we talk to up and coming threat to the Lightweight division, Peter Irving.

For those out there that may not know who you are, could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your Martial Arts / MMA background.

I'm Peter Irving from Newcastle upon Tyne. I like punk rock, gore movies and fighting. I train Muay Thai at the Sor Thanikul gym, Barry Norman is my coach. I started Jiu-Jitsu with Dave Elliot and moved to Brazil for a while to train jiu-jitsu and wrestling with Crezio de Souza.

Which UFC or Pride fighter's style would you say most closely matches yours and why?

I couldn't really claim to be a fight-alike, but I'd have to say the Georges St Pierre model is my ideal for a striking, wrestling, submission balance.

Who do you look up to in Mixed Martial Arts and/or life?

Richard Gere's a real hero of mine.

Sting would be another person who's a hero. The music he's created over the years, I don't really listen to it, but the fact that he's making it, I respect that.

Have you fought on Cage Warriors before?

I made my professional debut on a Cagewarriors under-card way back when against Graeme Connelly. It went well. I also fought on the last Showdown against Sami Berik. It went crap.

Have you fought in a G.P. format before?

I've never fought MMA in a tournament format, but most of my experience is in Jiu-Jitsu / Judo / Sub-wrestling - So I'm familiar with the added mental demands of fighting in the eliminator format. It's always been one of my big ambitions to fight in an old-school eight man tournament, so being invited to this tournament is a big thrill.

Is your preparation for fighting in a Grand Prix different to preparing for one fight?

It’s much the same, but the Fight Simulator™ has been tweaked to replicate the slightly different demands.

Who do you expect will be in the final?

Well, Thomas Hytten has a proven track record in this type of event, and his stats are very good, but if I had a choice I'd like to meet Ian Butlin in the final. There are too many variables in this type of tourney really, it's all up for grabs.

What are your MMA aspirations after the Cage Warriors Grand Prix?

I hope to win so I can finally get away from this crap and get on a decent show....like Cage Rage.

I'll be fighting Terry Etim for his Cage Gladiators title two weeks after this tournament, then we'll see what 2007 brings.

I just want to keep on fighting round the world a la Russell Crowe - up until my body is consigned to the scrap heap.

Finally, do you have a message for your opponent, your fans, or the MMA Universe readers?

Thanks to Granite Fightwear for keeping me kitted out with top notch gear. PHD Nutrition and Versus industries.

See you all on the 19th - until then, stay classy!

Thank you for your time and good luck.

You can buy tickets for Cage Warriors: Showdown 2
on MMA Universe. Click this link for more details