MILDURA cage fighters John Loughhead and Lewis Florez weren’t going to let late call-ups get in the way of title opportunities.
The Mildura Martial Arts athletes each took bouts on three weeks’ notice, but are ready to roll for glory on Saturday’s Demolition Fight Series 14 card.
Loughhead is already the amateur featherweight champion in the Diamondback Fighting Championship, but wants to double up by taking the strap from current Demolition champion Jett Fisher.
The titleholder is no stranger to the Mildura fighter, as the duo met in May last year, with Fisher winning via submission in the third round.
Loughhead, who holds a 5-4 record, however said he has learned from the experience.
“I’m feeling good,” Loughhead said.
“It’s only three weeks’ notice so I could have done with more of a camp to help work on more specific stand-up stuff, but I’ve got the experience and I’ve fought him before, and I’ve definitely adjusted my game plan from the last fight.
“I know what to expect, so these past couple of weeks has just been about modifying my fight plan, my style and my weight distribution just to be able to combat it probably.
“Another one (belt) would be awesome. This would be the first one our gym has won from Demolition Fight Series.”
Alongside the fight coming at late notice, Florez was on his way to visit family in Colombia when notified of his first first ever MMA title bout.
The grappler has lost 12kg in preparation to face ACT’s Jackson Donnelly for the vacant amateur lightweight strap.
Florez is amped up and is backing himself to get the result early.
“I’m very keen, so excited for this fight,” Florez said.
“I’m keen to just get in there, take him down and finish him in the first round.
“I’ve dropped 12kg at the moment in four weeks, so it has been a bit hard at the end but I know what to do, I’ve got the dietician working with me so I’m fine now.
“He’s 4-3 in MMA and he’s a boxer, he’s just got his purple belt in jiu-jitsu so I’m just seeing grappling… taking him to the mat will be my focus.”
The Mildura duo’s contrasting styles also made them ideal training partners, with Loughhead’s striking his main weapon and Florez being most comfortable on the mat.
“Both of our fight game plans sort of complement each other… It’s definitely good having Lewis get ready for it too, we’re both in it together,” Loughhead said.
“Love to thank Mick and Sophie (Moloney) and the whole fight team here at Mildura Martial Arts for getting around us,” Florez added.
“Even the support coming from the community has been great.”
The event takes place at the Club Italia Sporting Club in St Albans on Saturday from 6pm.
