Linton Vassell is a Light Heavyweight fighter from London, England fighting for Bellator FC. He is currently undefeated in Bellator going 3-0 and will be facing Emanuel Newton Friday October 24th.
Linton started training at the age of 23 and didn’t have to train long before he was making waves in the sport. After six months of training he won his first amateur fight against Ian Tobell, and three weeks later he took the AMMA championship from Danny Hudson.
Vassell had success in Cage Warriors and was the UCMMA Light Heavyweight champion before coming to the states and competing in Bellator.
I got to sit down with Linton and get an idea of what got him into the sport, and what we can expect this Friday.
Aaron Robbins: Linton, thank you for your time today. Why don’t we start by giving the fans a little background on yourself?
Linton Vassell: “I’ve been fighting for eight years; I would say that I’m a grappler. I’m on a nine fight winning streak. I joined Bellator in November of 2013. I’m undefeated in Bellator. I got into MMA through a friend who was fighting at the time. He introduced me to my trainer at the time, Danny Batten. I went to the gym, and before you know it I was competing. It was only six months before I took my first fight. A couple years later I was competing as a pro, I won a few titles and then I came to Bellator.”
AR: Do you do all your training in the UK, or do you get a chance to train in the states?
LV: “I have been over to the states a few times; I trained with Cheick Kongo and Quinton Jackson. I’ve been over twice to train with them, and that’s been good going. I have trained exclusively in the UK for this fight, but after I’m looking to get back over to the states to train again. I’m looking forward to that.”
AR: What are some of the differences between training in the UK and the U.S.?
LV: “Well I’m exposed to different sparring partners, and different techniques. You are out of your comfort zone, and I think that is the biggest asset when you train at different gyms. When you train at your own gym you know all the people, they are cool and they are willing to help. When you train with new people you don’t know what they have to offer, and in a way they don’t have the same respect for you. You come to their gym and they are going to try to go hard at you. It’s good because it pushes your game up that extra bit.”
AR: There seems to be an explosion of fighters coming from the UK now. How are the fans over there?
LV: “Oh they are backing us. They are behind us 100%. There are so many fighters now coming to America to fight in Bellator or other organizations. I think that is exciting for them. You’re not going to see MMA hooligans, but you’ll definitely see some fans.”
AR: Are you currently dealing with any injuries going into the fight?
LV: “No no all good, I’m doing really well. This camp has gone well. No injuries. I’ve taken rest when I needed it. My weight is going to plan; everything is spot on. All I have to do now is turn up and do my job.”
AR: Speaking of your weight, do you cut much weight? It seems like you stay pretty lean.
LV: “I’m pretty damn lean; I eat healthy most of the time. I walk around heaviest about 16 or 17 stone ( 224-238 pounds). I always walk around in shape, so it’s just losing the last little bit and water weight. I have about an eight week camp with dieting before all my fights to get that extra weight off.”
AR: Your next fight is against Emanuel Newton for the Bellator Light Heavyweight title. How have you trained to prepare for his unorthodox striking style?
LV: “It’s just like with any opponent, you train a couple of things that they do. Everyone has been doing spin attacks. He’s going to bring his stuff, but I mostly focus on what I’m going to do in the fight. I’m going to make it my fight, and not wait for all of his spinning attacks. I’m going to put a show on, and make him feel uncomfortable. I’m going to make it a fight, you know.”
AR: How did it feel to find out that your fourth fight for Bellator would be for the championship?
LV: “Seriously I was just buzzing. I’ve said this numerous times. When I heard the news, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve always said ‘yeah I’m going to fight for the world title’. I thought it would be at least one or two fights before the title shot, but when I got the call I didn’t have to think twice. It’s exciting; I can’t really explain it any better than I’m just buzzing for this fight.”
AR: I know there are a lot of people excited for this fight. It looks like if things go your way you’ll be facing Liam Mcgeary for your first defense. What are your thoughts on that?
LV: “That’s the rumor. He was supposed to fight Emanuel next. I have talked with Liam and he wanted to take some time off. I think that’s why I got this fight. I think if Liam would’ve taken this fight, I would’ve gotten the winner in my next fight. I think that’s the plan they have next, so I’m looking forward to that. It will be Brit vs Brit, but hopefully they will do it in the UK. They need to bring these fights to the UK; we say it all the time.”
AR: I hope Bellator listens, and gets over to the UK. Linton, any shout outs before we wrap up?
LV: “Yeah I would like to pick up my sponsors, Win Back Medical, Lexani, OT sports therapy, RBP, Gordo Nutrition, Impact, Livin’ Phat, Vaped, RLD Renovations, Vassell’s Beauty, The Warehousemk, and Ilusso. A big thanks to my trainers Danny Batten, Sam Tomlin, Darren Ward, and Lee Edwards for all their help. I would also like to thank all the fans for their love and support.”
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Main Photo courtesy of Sherdog
