Interview: Jon Ferguson Ahead of FCC 10 Bout with Paul Craig

Interview: Jon Ferguson Ahead of FCC 10 Bout with Paul Craig

by Alex Dillion - @_AlexDillon_

Saturday night will see the return of Full Contact Contender at the Reebok Stadium. In their 9 previous shows FCC has quickly become one of the most consistent promotions showcasing rising talent in the UK. FCC 10s Jon Ferguson vs Paul Craig will be no different. Originally scheduled to meet in the co-main event at FFC 5 in May, the bout found its way to FCC 10 after Fist Fighting Championships cancelled their 5th show.

We caught up with Ferguson this week to discuss fighting out the Isle of Man, FCC 10, and of course his opponent Paul Craig.





Dillon: You’re fighting Paul Craig at FCC 10 on Saturday, for those who haven’t seen you fight before tell us a little bit about your fighting style and what fans can expect on Saturday. 
Ferguson: Well my style is pressure, pressure, pressure, I don't want to ever be going back. I signed up to compete so I think all fighters should be engaging.

You are fighting out of the Isle of Man, what is the scene like there?
The Isle of Man is like a lot of places in where we have a growing MMA scene. It is just the one club but with our small population its not surprising.  There are a lot of MMA fans here though.
What is your background and how did you get into MMA?
I played rugby for many years and watched a UFC one day and thought this is pretty awesome. [I] slowly started following it and then thought I reckon I can do this, so turn up to train and now am here.

Coming from the Isle of Man is it difficult to get suitable training partners?
I understand why people would think that but we have actually got a lot of people who have competed at very high levels within there martial art. We have people from Judo, Boxing and Muay Thai, all beasts to train with and learn from. My face and body can confirm that!

As your career progresses do you envision a time where you may need to move a way from the Isle of Man, or are you confident you can build a successful professional MMA career at home?
I won't be moving anywhere. I firmly believe it can all be done here, there are big plans in the pipeline for MMA on the Island. I would happily go and train somewhere for a few weeks as a different experience etc, there are several great clubs around the UK.

Talk to us a bit about your opponent Paul Craig, how much to you know about him and what do you think he does well?
I know of his fights and pretty much see his jits is his strength but that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous elsewhere I would be a fool to think he is not training all areas.

On the flip side, where would you say his weaknesses are?
Not seen a lot of him to know. I would hope he has no striking power and a really weak chin!!! But that won't be the case.

You were meant to fight Paul at FFC5 in Scotland in May. First the date and venue was changed, and then the card was cancelled all together. How was your experience with FFC and would you fight for them if offered a fight in the future?
I would indeed. They were very honest about all that was going on plus it wasn't something they could control, I believe. I am a big supporter of UKMMA and hope to see them get a card together very soon for the people of Scotland to go and see.

Luckily enough you are still fighting Paul on FFC 10. How did you manage to keep this fight together, and how excited are you to set into the cage with Paul after a long period of time training for him?
Am more relieved to be fighting him. I feel at the moment more so just to be competing again. I think both myself and Paul just were happy to both have the fight happen and for either one of us to cancel and try to look for another bout seemed a bit pointless. I have no ill feelings towards him and respect him for wanting to do this.

And you are now fighting one of the UK rising promotions, how happy are you to be fighting for FCC?
Well I knew of FCC before and to be on the card is for me a great moment in my career and helps me show the folks back home that the 'little Isle of Man' can make big things happen.

Paul has a couple inches height advantage over you, is closing the distance something you have worked on in camp?
He is only 2 inches taller so to me that doesn't make a difference (am sure many woman would disagree about a couple of inches). I train with a few guys that are taller than him so height and reach is something am used to and can deal with.

Where do you see your self in a few years? What’s the ultimate ambition in MMA?
My goal is to be the best that I can become within MMA, compete at the highest level and also leave my own stamp on the sport then help the next generation coming through by passing down my past experiences. In a few years I see myself back here talking to you guys about me having a great few years.

Finally, how do you see yourself winning the fight on Saturday?
I never want to be a points fighter so I want to finish the fight. I really want me and Paul to put on a great bout for the fans of MMA and showcase the UKMMA talent.