Issue 122
December 2014
Ahead of fighting ‘Shogun’ Rua, the London UFC knockout artist reveals a love for expensive cars, designer shoes and... Dire Straits?
TV
Do you watch a lot of TV?
“Not really, but I’ll buy a box-set. The most recent one was Breaking Bad. That was the best; I was glued to that for weeks. I like Game of Thrones as well. I tried to watch Sons of Anarchy. I bought the box-set but I watched the first three episodes and I didn’t really get into it. I’m a bit fussy about what I watch. I bought Spartacus: Blood and Sand as well. That was really good. I love old, gladiatorial stuff.”
What did you like about those shows?
“Spartacus because of the fight scenes and warrior mentality in it. Same as 300. Breaking Bad, everyone knows about that. Where it can actually happen in real life it kind of grips me.”
MOVIES
What kind of movies do you watch?
“Real-life films. I don’t really like action films too much, you know like Die Hard. But then again probably one of my favorites is 300. Warner Bros. invited me to see the sequel a while ago. That was really good.”
Do you do Netflix, or are you a go-to-the-movies guy?
“I don’t really do Netflix because I like to be comfortable when I’m watching something, I don’t really like watching it on the computer and I’m not really a gadget person to hook it up to the TV or anything. I just wait for it to come out on DVD. I’ve got my DVD man who gets all the films (laughs). I like to sit down and relax with the family, or on my own, and watch a good film on my TV. I go to the cinema sometimes but not too often.”
MUSIC
Are you quite into music?
“Very much. And I haven’t got a particular preference, I like all sorts, even old-school rock like Dire Straits. I like, obviously, hip-hop, house music. I haven’t got a particular type. My mates, they’ll tell me to listen to new people, then a few months later or a year later I might listen to what they were telling me to listen to and find out they’re actually alright.”
What’s your favorite album?
“Probably 2Pac’s Makaveli album. It’s a classic. Everyone knows you can’t fault that. I can always listen to that no matter what mood I’m in. Some of Jay Z’s albums as well. His newer album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, I can always listen to. Rick Ross’ new album too, Mastermind. And I like Meek Mill, he’s another rap artist.”
STYLE
Are you keen on clothes?
“Listen, I’m very keen on clothes. I’m always, always, always shopping. Always. Clothes and cars are probably my weaknesses, my addictions. I’m just glad it’s not drinking and drugs. I can take that.”
How much do you spend on clothes?
“There could be a month where I’d just buy a pair of trainers (sneakers) and a tracksuit or something. Then there’ll be some months where I’ll go shopping two or three times and spend a couple of grand. But I’ve got children and a missus as well so I can’t really go and buy myself stuff all the time.”
Are you one of those people who buys shoes that are too nice to wear?
“Yeah, kind of. I’ve got about two pairs of shoes that I bought probably six months ago but I’m waiting for the right time to wear them. I’ve got a couple of Christian Louboutins and a pair of Gucci loafers I love that I haven’t worn.”
CARS
What was your first car and how much did it cost?
“The first car I ever had, I think I was 16, I didn’t have a license, didn’t have anything. I think I went halves with my best friend on a Honda Accord automatic, a silver one. We paid £200 ($320) for it in 1996. It was the best car ever.”
What cars do you have now?
“I’m in the process of purchasing one. Because my last car, a Porsche Cayenne, was in an accident and that’s just been sorted out. I put a thing on Facebook about what car to buy. There was loads of comments, we were going back and forth, so I don’t know, I’m kind of in limbo on what to get next. But I’ve been waiting for the new Mercedes S-Class Coupe to come out. I’m definitely 100% getting that.”
Do you modify your cars?
“I keep them as they are. I’m not into Japanese cars, big spoilers and big bumpers and stuff. I like German cars and obviously Italian and British cars. So, Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Range Rovers and stuff like that. I’ve had them all. I usually change my car every six months.”
