Ian Butlin: The Contender - MMAUniverse.com

Ian Butlin: The Contender

Date submitted: 12 October 2006

Interview by: Matthew Finney

Featuring: Ian Butlin

Submitted by: White Belt

MMA Universe

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Part of the new World Wide Cage Network, Cage Warriors F.C. are staging a Lightweight Grand Prix tournament to find the number one contender for a shot at reigning Champion Alexandre "Xandinho" Izidro’s Title.

In the run up to Cage Warriors: Showdown 2, we will be introducing you to the Lightweight Grand Prix contenders. First up, Cage Warriors veteran Ian "M16" Butlin.

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 twenty seven years old and have been involved in Martial Arts since I was eight years old, starting with Judo then Thai Boxing. My main competitive background however is in Boxing. These days I mainly train Wrestling, Submission Wrestling and MMA. I have a degree in Sports Science and run a gym full time.

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

Not really any of them but the ones I like to watch are Wanderlei Silva, Carlos Newton and my favorite fighter is Anderson Silva.

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

My brothers Andy and Dave are the biggest support to me in my life and training. Andy is a very good Boxer now, he is competing as a professional and Dave is fighting for the UK-1 Lightweight Title the night before I win this tournament.

You have fought on Cage Warriors before. Could you tell us about your experiences?

I first fought on Cage Warriors in July 2003 against Chris Freebourne, I won that with an armbar in the first round. I was then lined up to fight for the Featherweight Title against Paul McVeigh but he had to pull out close to the fight and gave up the title due to Uni connections. I then fought Emmanuel Fernandez for the title and got caught in a triangle at the end of the first round. Last fight out I beat the then unbeaten Welshman Phil Raeburn with a Rear Naked Choke in the first round on Cage Warriors: Showdown 1.

Have you fought in a G.P. format before? How do you feel about it?

No, but when I won the British University Boxing Title I Boxed both the semi final and final in the same night. And in the National Championships I fought the Yorkshire Title and then North East Counties Title in the same night also. So I have experience at multiple fights but I've always wanted to do the old UFC style, I cant wait!

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

Just the same really, just training cardio for more rounds.

Who do you expect will be in the final?

Myself and Tomonari Kanomata.

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

I just want to keep fighting. I like competing in Sheffield as it is as close to home as I can get and I sell a lot of tickets.

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

I love MMA Universe and all the people involved. Thanks to Cage Warriors for there constant support since my pro debut.

And I would also like to thank my sponsors TAFG and Marked for Life.

Thank you for your time and good luck for November 19th.

Thank you.

Images: Ian Butlin vs Phil Raeburn at Cage Warriors: Showdown
RobertSwannPhotography.com and CageWarriors.com

You can buy tickets for Cage Warriors: Showdown 1
on MMA Universe. Click this link for more details