Final Minute Heartbreak
Jack Maguire is relishing the prospect to compete on one among Europe’s largest promotions as he prepares to combat on Oktagon 63 subsequent week. The Irish fighter faces Radek “Ruchy” Rousal in a catchweight bout in Bratislava on Nov. 9 and is grateful for the chance provided that his final combat fell via in reasonably irritating circumstances.
“It’s quick discover alright” mentioned Maguire of the Rousal combat this week. “I used to be lined as much as combat in September in my hometown of Cork, I had accomplished my camp and I used to be able to go then the opponent pulled out. So I’ve simply added an additional few weeks to that coaching camp and stayed prepared, and fortunately my supervisor (Barry O’Callaghan) discovered me this chance in Bratislava. It’s an awesome alternative for me, I get to combat ultimately which is sensible”.
Maguire (2-1) had been set to face Joao Batista in the principle occasion on Elite Preventing Championships on Sept. 21 however the combat fell aside when his Portuguese opponent did not obtain medical clearance.
“I made weight on the Friday morning earlier than I discovered he pulled out” he defined. “So I bought the entire camp and the weigh-in performed, form of a apply run for this one. I did 95 p.c of the work and bought cheated out of the one good a part of the entire job. It was an actual kick within the ass however what are you able to do? That’s the combat sport sadly”.
Making A Lengthy Awaited Return
Maguire’s first two skilled outings befell beneath the Cage Warriors banner in 2019 and 2020 earlier than the Cork native suffered a collection of setbacks because of accidents. He lastly returned to aggressive motion in March after a three-and-a-half-year absence.
“I fought on St. Patrick’s Day this yr in Tenerife” he mentioned, “however I had an extended layoff with accidents earlier than that. I had nice intentions of getting a busy, energetic professional profession going straight from one combat to the subsequent however I had well being points after my professional debut, I had a critical again drawback. I attempted to keep away from surgical procedure after the second combat.”
“I made the error of attempting to hurry again into fights and prepare for them, attempting to chase alternatives however I ended up simply ruining myself. I needed to be taught to be affected person. I had such an extended layoff, and when that occurs it’s very straightforward to get snug doing nothing. However I used to be at all times coaching, staying within the fitness center, at all times staying concerned serving to some our beginner fighters put together for fights, I simply didn’t get into the cage myself to compete”.
Maguire received his comeback combat in spectacular vogue, ending his opponent Javier Mendoza within the third spherical. “It was good to lastly get again within the saddle in March” he mentioned with a smile. “The timing felt proper for me each injury-wise and from a psychological perspective. Now that I’m up on the horse the plan is to maintain going”.
Standing throughout from him on Nov. 9 might be Radek Rousal (3-1) who has been making waves inside the Czech promotion over the previous 18 months. “Ruchy” has picked up spectacular victories over Arman Herczeg, Kallum Parker and Nezar Bahaji and likewise brings a powerful skilled boxing pedigree into the cage, one thing which Maguire is conscious of. “I’ve watched his final couple of MMA fights” defined the Irishman. “I do know I’m going over to Bratislava for a tricky combat in opposition to Radek and the purpose is to attenuate the harm whereas I’m in there with him”.
Large Platform
With Oktagon making waves on the European MMA scene and drawing spectacular crowds all over the place they go, they’ve shortly change into one of many massive gamers within the combat sport.
“It’s an awesome alternative” mentioned Maguire. “It’s superb preventing on these massive exhibits. I fought in Cage Warriors which is an enormous platform world wide of MMA and getting that publicity on the massive promotions is nice, and Oktagon seems to be an enormous promotion too so I’m delighted to get in there.
“I’m not likely one for showmanship, massive occasions and large crowds. I prefer to preserve my head down and keep beneath the radar however on the finish of the day as soon as I’ve an opponent and I’m allowed to get in there and combat then I’m blissful. Something after that may be a bonus, it’ll be good to really feel the environment, see the massive crowd and the present, I’m actually wanting ahead to it”.
Jack Maguire faces Radek Rousal at Oktagon 63 on Nov. 9 in Bratislava.
