Xavier Foupa Pokam: I Want the Title

Xavier Foupa Pokam is topping the bill at Cage Rage 24: Feel the Pain and he hopes that it is just the start of bigger things to come. “Professor X” takes on Murilo "Ninja" Rua in the main event at Wembley Arena. In an interview on the promotion’s website, cagerage.tv, the Frenchman spoke of his desire to eventually claim the Cage Rage Middleweight Championship. He describes his reaction when he was offered the fight.

“It felt nice and I even would say… Satisfying, I’m in good shape at the moment and I feel I have matured enough to fight for the belt at such a huge organisation as Elite XC / Cage Rage is. And when you want to become the world champion, you have to be able to fight and beat anyone in your weight division. So, fighting a big name is a way for me to prove that I want to become a champion.

My preparation is hard, as usual. I’m doing my best to be ready and give the best fight I can. I’m really working in all areas to be sure that there will be no way I can let victory slip away from me. If you want more details, just wait and see during the fight.”

“Murilo Rua is a BJJ black belt, he’s one of the best grapplers in his team. And he’s from a school, the Chute Boxe, that is known to have a Muay-Thai background.

So, I consider him as someone that could be comfortable and dangerous anywhere. And that’s what I’m getting myself ready for.”

Xavier Foupa Pokam is tipped by many commentators to claim a victory at Wembley Arena. The Frenchman told cagerage.tv that he doesn’t like to make predictions himself.

“Sport is sport. You cannot predict anything before the confrontation happens. You never know… But, what is sure is that I will be there for the win and I want to win before the bell. So, you can count on me to do my best for this fight.”

Xavier Foupa Pokam is a regular in London, and made his first appearance on the show at Cage Rage 5: Valentines Brawl in February 2004. The English fans have taken to him for a number of reasons. He has a flamboyant style - often entering the café in elaborate costumes and masks. He is also famous for his cross armed X salute. The main reason for his popularity is his fighting ability - particularly his sharp striking. Professor X had this message for his army of supporters.

“I’m feeling a great wave of support towards me for the fight on the 1st December from people watching MMA all over the world. So I want to thank all the MMA fans and every Cage Rage supporter. Thank you to all.

I fight MMA because it’s a passion for me and I feel pleasure in it. But when I realised I could have fun, giving pleasure to people watching me at the same time; it makes me even happier. So keep watching, it’s gonna be punishment time!”