Andy Ogle “I predict a war!”
This weekend sees, UK MMA promotion, OMMAC hold their last event of the year. Ready for his anticipated bout with Shay Walsh, Andy Ogle visits The Fight Lounge to talk about the showdown.
If being a fantastic fighter wasn’t enough, Ogle also has the distinction of being one of the most likeable people on the UK MMA circuit. A genuinely funny guy, Ogle is gearing up for his very first fight in Liverpool this weekend at OMMAC 12: Bad Vibes against another tough prospect in the shape of Shay Walsh.
“I’ve seen Shay fight before and he doesn’t necessarily like to strike; he likes to grapple and he is quite strong.” Ogle told us, “If he wants to wrestle we can. He likes to do all the stuff that I like to do, but he paces himself a bit more.”
“I’m fully prepared for the fight to go the three-five rounds, I’m not going to quit. The experience and cage time will be a factor in the fight. Has he ever been on the back-foot? Who’s engaged him? I’m quite a large featherweight and I will.”
“I’m ready though.” Ogle continued, “If it takes the clinch to beat him; fine. If it takes dirty boxing to beat him; fine. If it takes Jiu-Jitsu; fine, I’ll turn into ‘Mr. Jiu-Jitsu.”
The fight with Shay Walsh will mark Ogle’s first time of competing in Liverpool. How does he feel fighting in the North-West of England?
“I’m anxious. Shay’s not from Liverpool and I’m not from Liverpool. I’m looking forward to the road trip. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and giving the crowd a good fight.”
So, how has training been in preparation of the fight?
“I’ve been trying to tidy up everything; make everything better and add to my arsenal.”
“I’ve also tried to make myself more fluent with my takedowns and floor work, and just become a better fighter.”
“I’m just going to keep on learning and keep developing. I’m not going to see a major increase as that comes with time but I’ve had some new training partners in Davey Grant and Curt Warburton. Curt’s a proper humorous guy and Davey’s heart is in the right place. They’re like a tag-team.”
The fight should prove to be a close affair, what predictions does Andy have?
“I predict fireworks. I predict a war. I predict that people will be talking about the fight afterwards. I expect nothing less from Shay and he should expect nothing less from me.”
Andy Ogle also recently signed to Iridium Sports Agency; an management firm in America. Something that the featherweight mixed martial artist is very happy and proud of.
“Before I signed to Iridium; if I had a quid for every time I was asked to fight on a show, I’d have about £20 (laughs). I had to try and get sponsors myself, try and get on shows myself and get blagged by many people to fight on their card. I don’t like talking about money and I had people asking me to sell tickets when I don’t have many friends who aren’t fighters; and we’re all skint. Iridium is going to take all that pressure off myself.”
“I know if I hadn’t signed with Iridium, I would have regretted it. My dream is to fight on Bellator and they can help me with that. They also helped me with my new sponsor; Booster. They sent me some beautiful gloves this week and the nicest pair of Vale Tudo shorts I have ever seen.”
“I’m constantly on the phone to Iridium and exchanging emails. They even sorted out my application for The Ultimate Fighter trials in December.”
Make sure you get to the Olympia in Liverpool this Saturday for OMMAC 12: Bad Vibes. The card is packed full of some fantastic fights featuring some of the best UK talent available.
By Mike Clarke
*The picture used was picked by Ogle himself as he loves the boxer shorts he is wearing!
