wee interview i did for www.britmma.co.uk
weight cutting is awesome
By Dean Parr
Dean Reilly (3-1) will participate in his fifth Professional bout tomorrow evening on the Fight Ikon 5 charity event, as he takes on the durable Nathan Thompson in the Featherweight division. In anticipation of this contest, the Dinky Ninjas fighter caught up with BritMMA.co.uk for a Q&A.
Q: This weekend, you’ll be fighting on Fight Ikon 5 in Salford – how excited are you for this?
A: I’m pretty excited about the fight. I’ve not been as busy as I would’ve liked this year. I’ve kinda struggled to get matches; things seemed to come up three at a time was was a bit annoying. I tried to get on Ikon earlier in the year. It looks like a good show and the promoter seems a good bloke.
Q: Does the fact it’s a charity show make it better for you?
A: It’s pretty cool thats he’s running a show for charity. Here’s me thinking the majority of promoters were in it for the money! I hope it goes well and plenty of cash is raised for a good cause.
Q: I believe your opponent will be Nathan Thompson. What do you know about him?
A: I’ve seen Nathan fight a couple of times,it seems these days that he’s willing to fight anyone anywhere which I think is cool. He’s got a good triangle and no fear. He seems a nice dude.
Q: How has training gone? Where have you been preparing, and has it gone well?
A: Training has been terrible, totally gash.Those guys at The Griphouse and Dinky Ninjas have not even paid attention to me.I’m so underprepared it’s unbelievable. I’ve been holding pads for myself, training Jiu Jitsu with a Gi jacket and Wrestling with heavy bags.
Q: Recently, you signed to Warrior Promotions Fighter Management. Has this move pleased you, and why did you decide to sign?
A: The Warrior Promotions thing is pretty cool. I’m really pleased for all my Homeninjas who got signed. It makes things seem a bit more legit, that there actually is a purpose behind getting our arses kicked everyday.Hopefully they can pimp us all out a bit. A fair few of our guys don’t bother with the internet and therefore don’t get the recognition they deserve. Internet banter and fighting poor opposition seems to be the number one method of getting a good rep these days.
Q: In your last bout, you were submitted in two by Maxim Ionov. How gutted were you with this?
A: Maxim Bloody Ionov. Man, I was so mad I could’ve kicked a baby. The whole weekend had a bad feeling about it for me. I dunno, I just wasn’t feeling it. Maxim was a cool dude and really talented and a great athlete but I didn’t perform to the levels I set myself on the day. I found out a couple of weeks later that he was a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu and used to train Combat Sambo in the Russian army so he was no slouch. I feel that given another chance I’d do much better.
Cliche time – it did make me take a look at my game and a few other things and lead to some improvements so it’s worked out well in that sense. I’d love another chance with him though.
Q: What are your plans for 2011 MMA wise? Have you got any particular goal or ambition?
A: 2011? Fight on Cage Warriors and do well. I’ve always wanted to be on that show since I started. I won Paul’s CW belt a couple of years ago in a drunken punch machine challenge, but the dream is to get my own. I just want to be busy and have fun and see all my ninja bros do well….oh and see McVeigh in UFC, just so i can get free tickets.
Q: For those who’ve never seen you fight before, what will you be bringing to the table on Sunday?
A: I’ll be bringing a cheap version of all the people who have inspired me since i started training. Think Diet Doolan, Poundland Pacquiao, Multisave McVeigh, BOGOF Malone and Jose Aldi’s.That, along with a vicious moustache and gorgeous eyes.
Q: Have you got a prediction for the bout, and how do you see yourself winning (and which round)?
A: I don’t really have a prediction for you. I think it’s kinda disrespectful and anything can happen in a fight but I believe I’m going to win…hands down.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
A: I would like to thank Guy and Paul for opening The Griphouse and giving me somewhere to hang out with my mates, make some money and avoid a ‘real’ life. Also, all the ninjas who’ve helped me train for any fights,in particular…
Flex (cheers for the vials), Disco, Malone, Boomtime, Titan, Grandmaster Dougy Doug, Brick, Love machine, ‘Megastar’ Sean Wright and Cougar. That’s just off the top of my head; if i’ve forgotten anyone I blame the weight cut. sorry shags.
Oh, and sugar free red bull for keeping me alive on a daily basis.
I’d also like to say hi to my better half Frankie and my mum for scran.
If i had any sponsors i’d thank them but i don’t so instead i’ll thank Nike and Winning boxing in the hope that one day they’ll give me shit for free.
The future’s bright, the future’s Ninjas.
For more information on Fight Ikon 5, please visit http://www.fightikon.com
