Issue 042
October 2008
Ross ‘The Gladiator’ Pointon is one of the most well-known and dangerous fighters on the UK scene. Beginning his career as a heavyweight, Pointon dropped through the divisions to his new home of welterweight, famously appearing on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Following a loss to Marios Zaromskis via a horrific cut stoppage, Pointon got back on track with a quick submission win over Ross Mason and is gearing up for one of the biggest fights of his career.
He will fight for the British welterweight title on 20 September, on
Cage Rage 28.
Where are you right now?
Right now I am getting ready for my next fight against Che Mills at Cage Rage 28 in September which will be for the British welterweight title. I feel really confident and yeah, I’m winning that fight. They are going to have to carry me out on a stretcher otherwise.
What do you remember from your first fight?
God, my first fight. That’s a tough one. To be honest I don’t remember much. It was held at a place called the Circus Tavern and I was fighting at heavyweight. I caught the guy with a good knee to the face. I think I broke his nose. That was almost five and a half years ago now.
Have you changed since your first fight?
I’ve changed dramatically. When I first started fighting I was a lot more wild than I am now. I used to only be concerned with going in there and knocking my opponent out as quickly as possible. I’ve grown a lot as a fighter since then, and I have learned so much. I would say that I’m definitely a much more well-rounded fighter than I was back then.
What has been your toughest fight to date?
I wouldn’t say ‘tough’. I don’t think of fights as being tough. Fighting is what I do. It’s my passion. I enjoy every minute of it and I think that if you think of your passion as tough then you shouldn’t be doing it. Fighting is what I love and I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. It’s the training sometimes that I find tough. The rest is easy.
How do you feel your time of The Ultimate Fighter changed your career?
It changed my career a lot. It’s what put me in the spotlight. Before going into that house I was really just an average Joe. As soon as that show got on television I was being recognised worldwide. Fans all over the world knew who I was. Before The Ultimate Fighter I was lucky if fans in the UK knew who I was. Since the show I get stopped and asked for autographs and talk to fans everywhere I go. Just recently I was stopped in Amsterdam by a fan who knew me from fighting in the UFC. It’s not just the fame that came out of the show, I learned so much during my time there. Looking back on it now, I’d say that The Ultimate Fighter, for me, came too soon.
Is Dana White really as mean as he comes across on television?
Nah, Dana is a cool guy. I never had any problems with him and he always treated us well. He’s a good guy.
What is your favourite MMA moment?
My last fight. My favourite MMA moment is always my last fight. This time more than ever though. My last fight was explosive. I feel that you are only ever as good as your last fight so I always go out there and give it everything I’ve got. I’m always buzzing after my fights, so yeah – my last fight is always my favourite MMA moment.
What are you looking forward to?
My next fight in September. It’s going to be explosive. I’m better than ever right now and it’s going to be a great fight. I’d like to thank my sponsors, IS02 Nutrition, Body Temple, Punishment Athletics, Stars and Heroes,
Toe 2 Toe and everyone else who has helped me out along the way. Check out the Gladiator Gym too!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Winning fights, man. I want to be the best in the world. I want to be at the top. I love fighting and it’s what I will always do. Of course, every fighter is out to make money but when you’re in there, the money is just a bonus. I want to fight and I want to be the best in the world.
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