Article on John hathaway-tom egans opponent

davmol

http://uk.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=16921


Seems like a decent enough bloke.



C'mon the tank

Roper

Just quickly:

Having been booed a bit in the past and having cornered in some inhospitable environments and some "home" environments, booing rarely works for the fighter you're supporting. For a few reasons.

When you're booed, the first thing your corner will probably say is "give them something to shut them up" or words to that effect and with good reason. The only thing more deafening than a chorus of boos is the silence after the opponent lands a good shot. It can really get to you. Secondly, most fighters are sportsmen, and while they try not to care about the crowd, a lot of guys will think "I hope they don't boo the guy", for fairness first, and because when you're booing someone else you're not cheering your own man.

If you really want to show your support for Tom Egan in 2 weeks time, cheer until you think your throat will be sore for the month (that's what I'll be doing) whether the fight is going well or badly for him. When his opponent walks out, applaud politely if you want, or what would be really cool and the best psyche out ever would be if the venue was totally silent and everyone just looked at him like characters out of The Wicker Man. (the original with Edward Woodward, not the terrible remake with Nicholas Cage)

Lastly, booing is for fvcking idiots.

Killme00

ah cock, i cant read it in work, can one copy and paste...tks

ginoginelli

Cheers for the link.

This hathaway guy looks handy enough.. To anybody in the know - What are Toms chances against this guy? Is it a good match up? English mma fighters arnt generally renowned for their wrestling, is this somewhere tom could capitalize?

SuperWoody101

I think it would be fun if the Irish fans booed him at the weigh-ins just for fun,(I think Rogan would also find this funny) with the whole Ireland Vs. England thing. As for the fight, well I would love to see Tom win but I would also like to see a great fight and I have the up most respect for John Hathaway the same as I do for anybody who takes part in this sport.

Evil_Clown

Killme00 wrote: »

ah cock, i cant read it in work, can one copy and paste...tks

John Hathaway: When the watcher becomes the watched
By Elliot Worsell

Four years ago John Hathaway was watching something exciting on the ‘telly’. He was enthralled by it. Inspired by it. Attracted to it.

That ‘something’ was the Ultimate Fighting Championship. At 16 years of age Hathaway was an ardent fan. He’d tune in for every show beamed onto the television networks in his native England. At merely 21 years of age, Hathaway can now call himself a fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The remarkable watching-to-watched, fan-to-fighter cycle will be completed on January 17 when Hathaway, a standout London Shootfighters welterweight, makes his UFC bow in Dublin, Ireland.

“It’s pretty weird,” admits Hathaway. “I used to watch the UFC on television a few years ago and now I’m about to fight in the biggest organisation in the world. The reason why I started mixed martial arts was because I loved the UFC so much.”

The whole ‘fan becomes fighter’ process can either go one of two ways. You can either successfully draw on your wealth of knowledge gained from hour upon hour of studying past UFC shows, or you can freeze up. Tense up. Sit with your hands taped in the changing room and quickly realise the living room’s a safer place. The 21-year-old Hathaway has no such trepidation.

“It’s the biggest stage in the world, so I’m very excited to be participating in it,” he adds. “Saying that, though, it’s still the same sport I’ve been doing for the past three-and-a-half years. That’s the way I feel about it at the moment. Obviously it can all change on the night but I’m just looking at it as the same thing I’ve always been doing.”

In theory, the logic works. It’s like pitching a baseball to your father as a kid. The motion is crudely developed from a young age and then perfected through adolescence and into adulthood. You then hopefully one day arrive in the Major Leagues and the concept remains the same. You’re still pitching. You’re still doing roughly the same thing you did with ‘pops’. Only now you’re in with the big sharks.

“To be honest, I didn’t really expect this opportunity for another year and a half,” admits Hathaway. “That’s when I wanted it to be. Given the opportunity to go in there earlier is great, though.”

The possibility of Hathaway getting tetchy or worried about the ‘step up’ is appeased by the fact that on January 17 he will be facing a man in Tom Egan who is every bit the rookie he is. If Hathaway feels pre-fight jitters, chances are so will Egan. If Hathaway suffers pre-fight self-doubt, Egan will be there with him.

Both Hathaway and Egan are UFC newcomers and both possess the desire to separate the wheat from the chaff from the get-go. The victor will move on and receive a little more attention, while the loser must rebuild and re-think.

“For this fight the level is only going to be a little bit above what I’ve been used to in the past,” explains Hathaway, 10-0 in his mixed martial arts career and a former Cage Rage standout.

“It’s nice to be fighting another newcomer. Fighting a fellow newcomer just gives me the chance to ease into things a bit better. It gives me a chance to experience the bigger show, the bigger venue and everything that goes with a UFC event.

“I’ve seen a bit of footage on him (Egan) and he looks like a really good fighter. He trains at the Irish Top Team gym, which is a great gym. Everything looks solid. His striking looks good, his hands look OK. I’ve seen him stop someone with an arm-bar. His wrestling and grappling seems decent, too.”

When listening to Hathaway speak about his January 17 opponent, it’s clear to see he’s done the necessary research. He knows what he’s up against. Sometimes the fear of the unknown is what takes its toll on UFC debutants more than anything else. Often the reality of a UFC debut is entirely different from the picture they envisaged in their head. Then comes the freeze.

While accepting he’s far from the finished article, Hathaway’s preparation for this opening UFC bout has centred on planning for what’s to come.

“I’m obviously nowhere near the top yet, but I feel I’m ready to compete against many of the fighters in the UFC,” says John. “I’m getting better every day and learning something new with every fight. I’ve sparred some good people over the years and know roughly where I’m at in terms of levels. I’m always sparring people above the level that I’m fighting at. That gives me the confidence going into something like the UFC. I know I can handle myself and I know I’m getting better all the time.”

Where Hathaway wins on debut opponent he loses on debut venue. No doubt a beautiful place for fighting, Dublin, Ireland also happens to be close to home for opponent Egan. Nevertheless, Brighton’s Hathaway isn’t fussed in the slightest.

“It doesn’t bother me too much where I’m fighting,” he says. “If the Irish fans are going to boo me they’re going to boo me. There’s nothing I can say or do to change that. So long as I put on a good show and do what I need to do, I’m sure it will play out fine.

“I’m really excited about the whole event with the UFC. It’s the big stage and I’ve dreamed of performing on it ever since I started watching it as a 16-year-old.”

It sounds clichéd, but in this case it’s true. Hathaway would never have been exposed to the beauty of mixed martial arts had it not been for the tube. Who says television can’t be educational?

“I really enjoyed watching the UFC fights on telly,” continues Hathaway. “It looked like something I’d enjoy doing so I went down to the local gym and gave it a go. I had no martial arts experience beforehand – I came from a rugby background. I was always pretty sporty and athletic because of the rugby. I started watching the UFC when I was 16 or 17 and had my first pro fight just before I turned 19.”

As well as trading scrums for Muay-Thai clinches, Hathaway has also been content to juggle his budding mixed martial arts career with a side order of personal training. It’s something he enjoys and something he assures will remain a part of his life despite the increased attention, pressure and pay checks of the UFC.

“I still do personal training on the side and I’ll definitely continue doing it,” he says. “My training will always come first, but I enjoy working with other people and doing that side of things, too.”

Ultimately, Hathaway’s loyalty to personal training may be judged by his success as a top-level mixed martial artist. With the sport in Great Britain currently bigger than ever and threatening to explode on the mainstream, Hathaway may one day have to deal with the pressures and expectancy that comes with it. It’s something any self-respecting UFC fan can see coming – Hathaway included.

“There seems to be a real positive feeling towards mixed martial arts right now in Britain and we’re now being seen as genuine athletes. There’s a lot of respect for MMA right now in Britain.

“(Michael) Bisping’s already a big star as far as I’m concerned. You always see him in loads of newspapers and magazines over here (the UK). He’s the most famous British fighter right now and he’s doing great things for the game. The more success he gets as a mixed martial artist the more attention our sport will get in the public eye.”

Hathaway - along with many other UK-based UFC fans - has watched Bisping’s cross-Atlantic progress with both interest and admiration. He’s imagined himself doing something similar. Could we be about to unearth the new Michael Bisping?

“Yes and no,” answers Hathaway. “I’ll be someone different to Michael Bisping. I’ll be myself. I’d love to help the popularity of British MMA, though.”

Familiar with the concept of watching the UFC, if John Hathaway lives up to his undoubted potential he may one day find himself the one being watched.

Pride Fighter

Roper wrote: »

Just quickly:

Having been booed a bit in the past and having cornered in some inhospitable environments and some "home" environments, booing rarely works for the fighter you're supporting. For a few reasons.

When you're booed, the first thing your corner will probably say is "give them something to shut them up" or words to that effect and with good reason. The only thing more deafening than a chorus of boos is the silence after the opponent lands a good shot. It can really get to you. Secondly, most fighters are sportsmen, and while they try not to care about the crowd, a lot of guys will think "I hope they don't boo the guy", for fairness first, and because when you're booing someone else you're not cheering your own man.

If you really want to show your support for Tom Egan in 2 weeks time, cheer until you think your throat will be sore for the month (that's what I'll be doing) whether the fight is going well or badly for him. When his opponent walks out, applaud politely if you want, or what would be really cool and the best psyche out ever would be if the venue was totally silent and everyone just looked at him like characters out of The Wicker Man. (the original with Edward Woodward, not the terrible remake with Nicholas Cage)

Lastly, booing is for fvcking idiots.

I agree, lets turn the point into something like Thomond Park. That would truly show Irish sporting atmosphere and the sportsman like behaviour of our nation.

Maynard

"Where Hathaway wins on debut opponent he loses on debut venue." :eek:

How did yer man re-read that sentence and go "Yup. That's the most succinctly put point of all time"? Baffling.

ANYway, agree on the booing - If he was greeted by a muted applause, akin to a UCD home match, it would be much more likely to freak him out!

Roper

SuperWoody101 wrote: »

I think it would be fun if the Irish fans booed him at the weigh-ins just for fun,(I think Rogan would also find this funny)

Yes. Let's be disrespectful to show Joe Rogan how funny we are.

Booing is for idiots. And anyone who still thinks there's an England vs. Ireland thing should go visit England and ask anyone if they care. You might be surprised how well the English view us.

davmol

ginoginelli wrote: »

Cheers for the link.

This hathaway guy looks handy enough.. To anybody in the know - What are Toms chances against this guy? Is it a good match up? English mma fighters arnt generally renowned for their wrestling, is this somewhere tom could capitalize?

Hes 9-0 with only 2 going to decision and hes fought in cage rage contenders which is no joke of an organisation,some decent enough fighters.Hes training out of london shoot fighters which is a well respected camp which has some good fighters.Mustapha al turk who fought in the UFC is from that camp,grant it he got a beating.

The cage rage champ mark epstein along with others trains out of there too.

Of course im hoping for an Egan win but wont be overly shocked if tom gets beat

ginoginelli

thanks.

Anybody have something more intimate? Whats tom wrestling like etc..

Be great to hear a breakdown of the match from someone in toms camp if they are around..

Tyler MacDurden

ginoginelli wrote: »

Anybody have something more intimate? Whats tom wrestling like etc..

Only saw Tom fight twice, against the German (?) guy Schob in particular his stand-up was fantastic. He really stood out and I wasn't surprised to see him getting picked up by the UFC. I'm sure John Kavanagh will have him ready for anything.

As to his level of experience relative to Hathaway, I can't recall if he fought on the Cage Rage Contenders card in the Stadium, the night of the minor crowd-insurrection?

Derek Coleman

Roper wrote: »

And anyone who still thinks there's an England vs. Ireland thing should go visit England and ask anyone if they care. You might be surprised how well the English view us.

Of course they like us. We didn't occupy their country and enslave their people. It was the other way around. Doesn't mean our people have to like it because they do.

That being said..... Booing a person just because they were born in a country we don't like is idiotic. You might aswell put a celtic scarf on your face and tear up O'Connell street again!! (Never understood what good came of that).
Booing any fighter is absolutely disgraceful and if we have any class we will do what we done in Croke Park when the English Anthem was played and respectfully acknowledge it and move on. Canadian fans boo Americans who talks shhit about Canada. And they boo people who deserve to be booed. Kalib Starnes(Canadian) got booed out of the stadium against Nate Quarry(American).

P.S. Booing fighters because they are on the ground is another thing I hate but thats another days rant.

john kavanagh

no one from tom's gym will talk about his training/strategy on a PUBLIC forum for what should be obvious reasons

keep it to 'Go Tom' posts until after the fight

Roper

Derek Coleman wrote: »

Of course they like us. We didn't occupy their country and enslave their people. It was the other way around. Doesn't mean our people have to like it because they do.

Enslaved? Are you serious? I doubt John Hathaway has enslaved anyone, nor have 100% of living Englishmen, not since slavery was abolished and I doubt you would have found an enslaved Irishman since the 14th century. And around that time there were plenty of English slaves enslaved by Englishmen.

Pretty much every Irish person I know has either good English friends or family. Yet every time this comes up some 800 years spouting loony still thinks it's 1798. By that logic, I should get booed getting off the plane in the UK because after all plenty of knees were capped, plenty of pubs and shopping centres bombed in my name.

This is the 21st Century. Cheer Tom, don't boo Hatthaway

Roper

john kavanagh wrote: »

no one from tom's gym will talk about his training/strategy on a PUBLIC forum for what should be obvious reasons

keep it to 'Go Tom' posts until after the fight

I saw him in Burger King on a stationary bike quaffing Angus and shouting no "pain! no pain! Not even fat can pin me down!" the other day. I know I shouldn't be revealing that secret but...

SuperWoody101

Roper wrote: »

Yes. Let's be disrespectful to show Joe Rogan how funny we are.

Booing is for idiots. And anyone who still thinks there's an England vs. Ireland thing should go visit England and ask anyone if they care. You might be surprised how well the English view us.

Relax mate, as I said it was just fun!

SuperWoody101

Roper wrote: »

Enslaved? Are you serious? I doubt John Hathaway has enslaved anyone, nor have 100% of living Englishmen, not since slavery was abolished and I doubt you would have found an enslaved Irishman since the 14th century. And around that time there were plenty of English slaves enslaved by Englishmen.

Pretty much every Irish person I know has either good English friends or family. Yet every time this comes up some 800 years spouting loony still thinks it's 1798. By that logic, I should get booed getting off the plane in the UK because after all plenty of knees were capped, plenty of pubs and shopping centres bombed in my name.

This is the 21st Century. Cheer Tom, don't boo Hatthaway

You are making a big deal out of nothing, just cos one persion said to boo him at the weig-ins (as a joke) does not meen everyone will do it, and just to let you know I have no problem with England or the people that live there, sorry to go off topic. Best of luck Tom.

Roper

I would bet my mortgage that Hatthaway will get booed.

SuperWoody101

Roper wrote: »

I would bet my mortgage that Hatthaway will get booed.

Not by me. If he does he does, a shame I know but what can ya do?

Mikel

If the guy is from London Shoot he's bound to be useful, I'd be surprised if he couldn't wrestle judging by who coaches there.
Good luck to Tom

Leo?

Will the fight be televised or will it be ufc.com as part of the undercard?

Dyr

Roper wrote: »

J what would be really cool and the best psyche out ever would be if the venue was totally silent and everyone just looked at him like characters out of The Wicker Man. (the original with Edward Woodward, not the terrible remake with Nicholas Cage)

Actually that might be a bit too eerie given the ehhh...recent debate around the other lads christain beliefs :pac:

Roper

Leo? wrote: »

Will the fight be televised or will it be ufc.com as part of the undercard?

Undercard I believe. If the main events run fast they sometimes put an undercard fight on afer the show. Hopefully that will happen for Tom.

Nothingcompares

never heard of the english chap until he got matched with tom egan. but looking at what's on youtube and resumé he looks very good for a english based fighter. but as i said in the tom thread, this is a very competitive fight that will be impossible for a neutral to call, this could be fight of the night. hathaway is a purple belt in bjj i think.

i stand by my prediction

tom by anaconda.

Derek Coleman

I actually agree with you Roper I don't hold any malice towards England or John Hathaway. I only just pointed out that they wouldn't be as bothered about it as we would cause they weren't the victims!! Jeez!

This thread needs a group hug.

I'd say they will try fit Tom's fight on the tv if they can. I've seen a few of Paul Taylors fights from the undercard when its in England and I'd say its not a coincidence.

calex71

Booing sucks , whether its for a fighter or when it stays on the ground.

Will it happen in Dublin for Egans opponent and other parts ????? I'd have to put money on it unfortunately

Killme00

Roper wrote: »

Yes. Let's be disrespectful to show Joe Rogan how funny we are.

I'll be booing, but only Joe Rogan. "Buy fitty's new album, dont download it you gimps!!",...fvck you Joe. :pac::pac::pac:

Roper wrote: »

I would bet my mortgage that Hatthaway will get booed.

The reason for this will be the WWE fanboys in attendence who love to boo the heel. They have no real understanding of a sport where respect is paramount.

rovert

Killme00 wrote: »

The reason for this will be the WWE fanboys in attendence who love to boo the heel. They have no real understanding of a sport where respect is paramount.

So all hardline Republicans are WWE fans, huh? :rolleyes:

Lets not get into the implication of you post is that someone from England would qualify as a heel in Wrestling terminology merely for the fact they are from England.

Killme00

rovert wrote: »

So all hardline Republicans are WWE fans, huh? :rolleyes:

Lets not get into the implication of you post is that someone from England would qualify as a heel in Wrestling terminology merely for the fact they are from England.

Huh? If they events were in Ireland then yes? The average wrestling fan has the iq of a vole

SuperWoody101

Killme00 wrote: »

Huh? If they events were in Ireland then yes? The average wrestling fan has the iq of a vole

Yet they pay money on the UFC prodauct! Mony that the UFC needs to keep going.

Killme00

SuperWoody101 wrote: »

Yet they pay money on the UFC prodauct! Mony that the UFC needs to keep going.

exactly.

Either way, sorry for going off topic.

Come on Tom.

rovert

Killme00 wrote: »

Huh? If they events were in Ireland then yes? The average wrestling fan has the iq of a vole

My point was very clear. Irish people booing English athletes has far more to do with sectarianism despite you citing WWE fanboys as the main reason. It is even it isnt even a reason in my opinion.

By the way these "true" MMA fans that have an "understanding of a sport where respect is paramount" you seem to have align yourself with. Didn’t they boo Brock Lesnar out of the building in his last fight?

Given the strength of the points you made you shouldn’t cast aspersions on peoples IQs when your points don’t hold up to surface level scrutiny.

Killme00

rovert wrote: »

My point was very clear. Irish people booing English athletes has far more to do with sectarianism despite you citing WWE fanboys as the main reason. It is even it isnt even a reason in my opinion.

By the way these "true" MMA fans that have an "understanding of a sport where respect is paramount" you seem to have align yourself with. Didn’t they boo Brock Lesnar out of the building in his last fight?

Given the strength of the points you made you shouldn’t cast aspersions on peoples IQs when your points don’t hold up to surface level scrutiny.

Ok, firstly, untwist your knickers.

And secondly, Irish people booing English athletes in this day and age has nothing to do with secterianism and everything to do with stupidity.

And as for Brock Lesnar. he wasnt booed at the last event, when he appeared on screen, he was actually cheered. Although i was very tired at that point and it may just have been me cheering his dress sense.

rovert

Killme00 wrote: »

Ok, firstly, untwist your knickers.

And secondly, Irish people booing English athletes in this day and age has nothing to do with secterianism and everything to do with stupidity..

Didnt you just say "The reason for this will be the WWE fanboys in attendence who love to boo the heel. They have no real understanding of a sport where respect is paramount."

Killme00 wrote: »

And as for Brock Lesnar. he wasnt booed at the last event, when he appeared on screen, he was actually cheered. Although i was very tired at that point and it may just have been me cheering his dress sense.

Way to dodge my point about his last fight as that is what we are talking about booing in you know fights....

Again your previous points dont hold up to surface level scrutiny and your inabilty to directly back up these points in your reply only serves to prove this.

Killme00

Ok, thanks

Dragan

Rovert,

shut up.

Cheers.:D

Back on topic.

p to the e

my this topic went off course for a bit. does anyone know where this match lies in the card? 1st, 2nd etc.

rovert

p to the e wrote: »

my this topic went off course for a bit. does anyone know where this match lies in the card? 1st, 2nd etc.

2nd on the advertised billing

The discussion of booing started on post #2 btw and was hinted at in the article:

Where Hathaway wins on debut opponent he loses on debut venue. No doubt a beautiful place for fighting, Dublin, Ireland also happens to be close to home for opponent Egan. Nevertheless, Brighton’s Hathaway isn’t fussed in the slightest.

p to the e

oh it's going to be a boo-tiful night!

rovert

p to the e wrote: »

oh it's going to be a boo-tiful night!

Oh it will be. Lets cheer Tom on to the PPV!

Charlie3dan

Just in case anyone didn't spot the interview they've been talking to Tom as well:
http://uk.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=16978

For most aspiring mixed martial artists, the Ultimate Fighting Championship acts as the Promised Land, the ideal, the gates to MMA heaven. It’s their ticket to the great gig in the sky – a chance
to leave the small hall shows, the meagre paychecks and the fruitless obscurity. Enter the UFC and you’ve made it. You’re a star.

Well, not if your name’s Tom Egan, a budding 20-year-old Irishman with the MMA world well and truly at his feet. Let’s face it, when you’re 20 years of age you see the world a little differently. You can be fighter, rock star, movie star, run for president and discover a cure for cancer all in one summer. Welterweight Egan is making plans.

“Joining the UFC has always been one of my aims,” admits Egan, the emphasis very much on ‘one’. “I feel at home going into the UFC because it’s something that I’ve always planned for. I’ve always wanted to be here. Of course my ultimate goal is the world title. To be in the UFC is one thing, but the ultimate thing for me is to win a world title. I’m not just going there to make up numbers.

“Some guys fight their whole career to just become a UFC fighter. That’s where it ends for a lot of fighters. I’m not like that. I thrive on the high level of competition and as a modern day athlete I’m always looking to get better. This is just the start of the mountain. I’m not looking at it as a, ‘wow, I’ve made it!’ kind of situation. I’ve just been given a chance to win a world title. Now’s the time to get going.”

Currently 4-0 in his fledgling MMA career, Egan is now ready to get going in the UFC. Don’t mistake Egan’s lofty ambition and self-assurance as a sign the Dublin man is underestimating his achievement in reaching the UFC. He knows this is big.

“I’m feeling great right now and am really looking forward to experiencing the whole atmosphere of a UFC event,” beams ‘The Tank’. “I can’t wait to take the next step forward in my professional career. I feel at home with the UFC. All the hype and the atmosphere that goes along with the UFC is what I live for. It’s why I do what I do.

“There’s going to be more people watching, bigger venues, tougher opponents and more money. Everything will go up a notch now and I’m ready for it.”

A relative newcomer in mixed martial arts, let alone the UFC, Egan only made his professional bow in March of last year. Less than 12 months on, Egan will be gearing up to face the crème de la crème of mixed martial arts in 2009.

“Oh, it’s a big, big step up,” concedes Tom. “There’s going to be tougher opponents and opponents with a much bigger will to win. In every UFC fight there’s a reason to fight and a reason to put on your best performance. I want to be able to make a living at this as well, so I’m prepared to fight all out to get where I want to get. Everyone else has that mindset, too, and that’s part of what makes the UFC so competitive and also so entertaining.”

Though admitting he was caught off guard by the UFC’s initial advances, Egan is happy to take the chance. In an ideal world the call would have come perhaps another 12 months on. This, however, is no ideal world and Egan is grabbing his opportunity with both hands.

“We were always hoping for the UFC to come to Ireland, but probably didn’t expect it to arrive this early,” he admits. “I haven’t been half as busy as I’d have liked, in terms of fights - I’d have probably liked to be around 10-0 or 15-0 before entering the UFC. Despite all that, I’m grabbing the opportunity with everything I’ve got and am being given the chance when I’m still very young and willing to learn.”

The first rung on Egan’s ladder arrives on January 17 in Ireland when he takes on England’s John Hathaway at UFC 93. Like Egan, Hathaway is a newcomer to the UFC. He’s done the small hall stuff in Britain. He’s fought on the Cage Rage circuit. He’s heard the roar of a few hundred fans. Egan and Hathaway have more than one common bond.

“I admire John,” says Egan. “He’s a great athlete and a very good fighter from what I’ve seen of him. He looks very well-rounded. He’s got good stand-up, he’s very good in the clinch and he’s pretty dominant on top when he gets there.

“John’s a cool guy and I’m really looking forward to fighting him. I haven’t talked to him or anything but he seems like a really decent person and a great first opponent for me. He seems to be someone that I can truly test myself against.”

When one weighs up exactly what is at stake on January 17, Hathaway may end up being the ultimate test, and vice versa. Both unbeaten, both desperate to prove themselves, Egan versus Hathaway could be a darkhorse for Fight of the Night at UFC 93.

“It’s good to go in there against a fellow newcomer and that’s also what’s going to make this such a good fight,” explains Tom. “We’re both going in there with a lot to prove. This is almost like our trial run. We both want to show the UFC what we can do.”

Before going any further, it’s worth discovering exactly what Thomas ‘The Tank’ Egan can do. After all, in only four mixed martial arts contests to date, Egan has displayed more raw promise than anything else.

“I regard myself as a true mixed martial artist,” says Egan, a standout of the Irish Top Team gym. “I’m a modern day athlete in a modern day sport. It’s an always evolving sport and it’s important that you move with the times and learn to get good at every single aspect. I don’t want to be just good at one thing.

“You have to be at least decent in every department just to compete in the UFC. Now I’m in the UFC it’s all about increasing the quality in every area of my game. I need to be a great boxer, a great wrestler, a great Muay Thai fighter and a great jiu-jitsu guy. You never know when you’ll need each of those strengths.”

On January 17 Egan may require a dose of each and every one of those strengths. Such is the beauty and variety of mixed martial arts, Egan won’t find out which tools are required for the job until he eyes up Hathaway in the opening round. However, one guarantee at UFC 93 is that the Dublin crowd will be very much on Egan’s side.

“It’s brilliant to be fighting at home,” adds Egan. “To be honest, I just see it as a great opportunity not to have to do any travelling. It’s going to be really cool fighting in Ireland, but I’m also really excited about possibly fighting overseas with the UFC. I’d love to be in Las Vegas fighting on the mega cards. That’s what it’s all about for me. I can’t wait for it.”

Though only 20, Egan isn’t the type to shy away from the limelight or keep his thoughts to himself. Full of self-confidence and itching to show the world what he can do, Egan is meeting his fears head on. He’s looking to prove himself on the Ultimate stage.

“I’ve always had an interest in combat sports,” recalls Egan on what got him started. “I wanted to be the best at the toughest sport. That was always my plan.

“I kept hearing about how tough mixed martial arts was and I just liked the idea of getting good at it. I only really started watching the UFC when I was 17 or 18. I think the first event that I watched on television was when Tito Ortiz fought Vitor Belfort.”

A couple of years on and Egan is living his dream for real. The combination of his fighting ability and his surprising maturity could see Egan become a national MMA hero back in his native Ireland. He’ll have seen the job Michael Bisping has done for England and possibly look to replicate that for the Emerald Isle. That’s certainly one of Egan’s many aims.

“It would be a great honour to become the face of UFC for Ireland,” says Egan. “I’d love to help promote the UFC in Ireland. When I win a world title for Ireland I could then start to think I’ve made it. Until then, there’s plenty of work to do. In fact, even when I do win a world title I won’t be able to relax – I’ll have to start defending the title and staying at the top. I’m just thinking forwards, forwards, forwards right now. I’m only 20 years of age and have my whole life ahead of me.”

First stop, Hathaway on January 17. Next stop, world peace.

Oh and lest I forget.... GOOD LUCK TOM!

rondog

I love it!!

Talks of world championship belts and everything!!
I suppose you have to aim high.

rovert

Deadly article

Nothingcompares

come on tom!!!!!!

Derek Coleman

He actually says "When I win a world title". How brilliant is that attitude. Every day I get more excited. Future fight = Tom Egan v GSP (Who would I cheer for) dilemma.

Maynard

Best of luck to Tom. Can't wait for next week now.

BTW, on the booing issue; also hate the booing of grounded fighters - However, I unreservedly hold within my rights the booing of Mark Coleman when he comes out against Shogun, as (IMHO) the man is an utter prick.

Derek Coleman

Ha ha. Cant argue with that logic.

sonoflife

Roper wrote: »

Enslaved? Are you serious? I doubt John Hathaway has enslaved anyone, nor have 100% of living Englishmen, not since slavery was abolished and I doubt you would have found an enslaved Irishman since the 14th century. And around that time there were plenty of English slaves enslaved by Englishmen.

Pretty much every Irish person I know has either good English friends or family. Yet every time this comes up some 800 years spouting loony still thinks it's 1798. By that logic, I should get booed getting off the plane in the UK because after all plenty of knees were capped, plenty of pubs and shopping centres bombed in my name.

This is the 21st Century. Cheer Tom, don't boo Hatthaway

Well said bruv, very true!!!...Its people that hold onto hate that cause more hate for the future generations!....We should give Tom our support an give Hathaway our respect! As both are Warriors! Peace an Love!

stevemc01

Yeah, no booing guys just cheer for Tom. Good luck Tom.