Honestly, what happened… when I started to make money my life started to change and I started to go on holiday all the time… I was starting to take drugs, smoke - I was just starting to enjoy myself.
One day, Royce Gracie turned up in one of my clubs, I talked to him and since I met him something happened - I don't know why because I have so much street experience in the past and I have never been defeated. I wanted to do something that nobody had ever done, so I decided to fight a world class fighter with six months training.
You fought before, hey? In Millennium Brawl…
I fought once, but you have to know about Millennium Brawl to make things clear. One guy named Marios [Demetriades] from London Shootfighters - I was a bouncer at the time - he said, 'You know what? You said you could fight…' and I said, 'Yeah, I'm a streetfighter' and they told me to fight because somebody pulled out a week before the fight.
I jumped and did this fight on a whim, but when you look at the fight, my skills are: none. I done four classes at London Shoot, you can ask, I did no training at all. After this fight, I haven't trained nothing at all and I decided to fight a top class fighter - but I know, to beat this guy, I need training, but I am so naturally gifted that six months will be enough.
I heard a rumour that you really pressed for Tank in particular, is that true?
OK… the first guy I was supposed to fight was not Tank Abbott. I wanted to fight a World Champion and I challenged Ian Freeman. But what happened? He retired.
Then I challenged James Thompson because, I'm in London, I want to fight the best Britishman. James Thompson declined my offer and I understand, he doesn't know anything about me, he's going up, he's in Pride. What does he have to gain from fighting me? Nothing.
Tank will fight anyone, any time. So he made a big mistake and took the fight.
What kind of training have you done for Tank?
I've done one month with Mejiro gym, where Remy Bonjasky trains, and London Shootfighters where I do wrestling. I'm starting boxing now because it will be important against Tank. I believe that six months for me will be like three years for anyone else. Something very important: I don't expect to overpower him, Tank will have so much more experience than I have, so much more technique - but what I am going to try and come in with is my natural ability, my strength and I will have a good base in Boxing, Muay Thai, avoiding the takedown and taking people down. With a good base, Tank is do-able. I have good fitness.
Once I have achieved this, I will have achieved something that no-one has ever done before. I'm getting the drive to do it. I've stopped going out, I own three nightclubs in London… I don't go anymore. I have changed my lifestyle and I can actually do something different.
Have you got a prediction for the fight?
You never know… but, the second round. The second minute of the second round. Seven minutes maximum.
Main Image: Kiane at the Cage Rage 17 Promotional Parade
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