Mick Stanton will finally meet Kerim Engizezeek in the Octagon 74 Cage this weekend on August 9, after a long delay after the original competition had been canceled eight weeks ago. Initially planned for Eden Stadium in June, the long -awaited Tipsport Gamechanger Tournament Quarterfinal was postponed when Engize Seek withdrew – something that Stanton suspects was not due to illness.
Mick Standon etc. Kerim Engize Seek
“I believe he was not going to fight completely,” Stanton told Lowkick MMA. “He is the champion and there is busy there, but if he is defeated, especially by someone they don’t judge them high, it is not part of his plan.”
The delay extended the Vechtkamp from Stanton by almost two months, so he cost precious family moments but his focus was tightened. “I missed weddings, missing my children’s birthdays – I was there but I was not present. Vechtskamp takes everything. So to take him out, it makes me honest, to be honest,” he said.
This rivalry adds extra heat to a fight that is already loaded with high bet. Engizezeek comes unbeaten in Octagon, runs on a 15-fighter win racing and is highly recommended as the middleweight of Germany. In the meantime, Stanton is enjoying the underdog roll – something he has been wearing since his teenage years. Starting with his career at the English Boxing team of England, he collected national titles and knockouts before setbacks forced a change in direction.
“My whole life, I’ve always been the underdog,” Stanton explained. “I was never meant to succeed. I am every day.” Transition from boxing to MMA in his early 1920s, he rebuilt his life and career through persistent hard work – overcoming depression, weight problems and professional discouragement.
“I realized that I did not like the life I led, so I lost four stones, went back to the training and eventually moved to MMA because I saw the chance,” said Stanton. “I trained with local legends, went into coaching and finally tested myself in the cage.”
Stanton is known for his simple style and briefly explained his game plan: “Heavy hands and sexy wrestling,” he grinned. “If he thinks he will just defend a few Takedowns and switches me off, he stands in front of a shock. I like to be touched and we will see what he does when I go back immediately. That’s when the Takedowns open up – and if he gives me his back, I will finish him.”
Thinking about his journey, Stanton sees himself as a hunter for those who have created a lead. “I think you need a few demons, a little hardship. It’s a crazy sport and you have to have something to fight for. Life throws things towards you and sometimes you have to become a hunter.”
His role as a trainer and mentor at Urban Kings Gym strengthens his passion for sport outside of personal awards. “Helping people and making champions, that’s my real passion.”
Winning this tournament, Stanton said, would strengthen his legacy. “This is my goal this year that two wins and it is life-changing. If I stay focused, things go great. When I am distracted, I have made mistakes.”
This Saturday in Štvanice Stadium in PragueMick Stanton is ready for his chance. After years of setbacks, comebacks and always playing the underdog, he welcomes the challenge and pressure.
“I am obsessed with this fight. Let’s destroy him.”
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