Tom Breese “I will be looking to compete November or December this year.”

Tom Breese “I will be looking to compete November or December this year.”

Credit Cage Warriors

by Andreas Georgiou - @AGeorgiouMMA

Birmingham's Tom “Fearless” Breese has been tipped by many as one of UKMMA's next stars. With all six of his professional wins coming by finishes, Breese has shown success with his aggressive yet calculated style of fighting. 

Despite only being 22 years-old, Breese has already trained with some of the world's best at Tristar Gym in Canada.

He was set to take UKMMA by storm after his British welterweight title win at BAMMA 11. However, a severe ACL injury meant that Breese has spent the last year on the sidelines. 

In an interview with Love2Fight magazine's George McCann, Breese admitted he had partially torn his ACL a year before the actual injury, although he completely tore it whilst training at Tristar gym in July 2013. He started undergoing constructive surgery that November. 

“I'm currently eight months and three weeks post-op from ACL surgery. Recovery has gone great, I returned to full training at eight months post-op and feel sharper than ever.” 

Breese has stressed the importance of not rushing his return from injury, in order to preserve the longevity of his career. 

“It is very important not to rush back. This injury is very serious and can ruin a fighters career if it is not looked after and rehabilitated in the best way possible.

MMA is my whole life, without it I would be lost, so I have been extremely dedicated to rehabilitating my knee and I will continuing with strength work and rehab for the rest of my career.”

He defeated Warren Kee in December 2012 to become the BAMMA British Middleweight champion, calling it his defining moment. Yet, the following April, the Fearless MMA fighter accepted a multi-fight contract offer with Cage Warriors. 

“Winning the BAMMA title was a great achievement. Then the opportunity came to sign for Cage Warriors and I couldn't turn down the chance to fight higher calibre opponents and test my self in Europe's toughest division. 

When I signed with Cage Warriors last year I was very excited to fight for Europe's best show and test my fighting style against a stacked welterweight division. 

Now I'm even more excited and hungry, I've improved physically and mentally in the last year.” 

With any fighter out for a lengthy period time, there is the worry of ring rust upon their return, but the 22 year old has no such uncertainty. 

“I haven't fought in such a long time but I will be better because of it. I don't believe in ring rust. I had a year out from sparring and had my first spar a couple of weeks ago my timing was better than ever I believe that's because I kept in great shape during my recovery.” 

Although he has been out of action, Breese has admitted to keeping a close eye on the competition. “I drive down to every show in England or Wales and watch. I like to go to the events to visualise and prepare mentally for fight time. Also I'm a big fan of the sport and more than happy to travel to watch a great show live.” 

Breese remains undefeated at both amateur and professional level. He has finished all six of his pro bouts, 90% of them by submission. It is clear he will be a true challenge to anyone in the welterweight division once he debuts under the Cage Warriors banner. 

“The welterweight division is very exciting and I can't wait to compete in it. I will not target a single name as I'm ready to fight anyone in the division. 

I dedicate my whole life to being the best in the world and that's what I'm working towards everyday.” 

After Cathal Pendred relinquished his welterweight title upon accepting to take part on The Ultimate Fighter season 19, it was up to Cage Warriors to crown a new champion. At CWFC 66, Nicolas Dalby finished Sergei Churilov in the fourth round to take the gold. The fight took place in Dalby's homeland of Denmark. 

“I think Nicolas Dalby is a exciting fighter and brings a different style of fighting into the Cage Warriors welterweight division so do many other of the welterweights. I look forward to solving these puzzles and showcasing my fighting style.” 

With the rest of the welterweight division continuing to improve, including talented fighters such as Jack Mason, Mohsen Bahari, and Jake Bostwick, Breese is looking forward to mixing it up with the best. Hopefully for him, before the end of 2014. 

“Everything is going to plan so far and I will be looking to compete November or December this year. Next year I plan to be extremely active.”

You can keep up to date with Tom Breese's return by following him on Twitter - @Breese0121