Issue 020
December 2006
Robbie ‘The Flame’ Olivier, 13-6-1, recently fought his way to the British Cage Rage featherweight title, being the first man to tap out Brad Pickett in the process.
Describe your fighting style in five words or less.
Strong aggressive grappler!
What do you do when you're not punching people in the face?
Coaching fighters at Tsunami Gym how to punch people in the face, oh I’m also a fireman in Cambridge
What has been the most memorable moment of your fighting career? (good or bad)
Its difficult to say, I’ve so many good memories, I guess it would have to be my last fight, when Brad Pickett tapped, there was an immense felling of relief that I had at last won the Cage Rage title, something I have been working so hard towards.
Where do you see yourself in 1 yr, 5 yrs and 10 yrs time?
Next year I want a to start working up the international scene, perhaps a world title on a UK Show, then see what happens from there, over the next five years, well I believe I have what it takes to be top of the food chain at featherweight. In ten years it would be great to still be fighting, but realistically my time will be more dedicated to coaching.
You just won the world championship title in your weight division- describe your ultimate after-party.
Well lots of food and drink (soft drinks of course as I am teetotal), dancing to good music, celebrating with my team, watching replays of my fight on big screens haha.
As a fan, what is the best fight you've ever seen?
Live it would have to be Manhoef vs. Cyborg at Cage Rage, the atmosphere was amazing, two guys slugging it out with loads of heart. On TV it would be Shogun vs. Nogueira, that was cool, two very technical fighters that could have finished it at any time.
You've got the choice of any two fighters in the world - who would you want to see fight and why?
Shogun vs. Chuck Liddell would be awesome I think, both have great stand up although different styles, Shogun has the edge on the floor but Chuck never stays there for long, ingredients for a very exciting fight.
Of all the professional fighters you've met, who stands out the most?
I think it would be Babalu, although a cool guy, he has an intense presence about him!
What the best thing that's happened to you since being a fighter?
As I said earlier, I have so many great memories because of this sport; I’m lucky that I enjoy everything about the sport and get to meet so many cool people.
What was your goal in life before becoming a fighter?
My goal was always to compete in sport at a high level, I guess like most, the Olympics was a dream of mine, just a shame there is no MMA at London 2012 haha.
Tell us a fact about yourself that no one else knows.
Nothing to tell, plus don’t forget I work on a fire station so I have to be careful, don’t want to give my colleagues more ammo than they already have to take the piss out of me haha.
Where is your favourite place in the world and why?
Apart from the Cage, I guess it would be Thailand, for so many reasons!
What kind of music have you got on your Ipod / CD Player?
I like all music really, but I suppose dance music like hard house (especially when training).
Your favourite band invites you on stage to sing a song of your choice- who are they and what would it be?
I don’t think that would be a very good idea, I’m not the best singer I’m told, although it would be quite nice to be on stage with Girls Aloud I suppose!
You're strapped into a chair 'Clockwork Orange' style and forced to watch the same movie over and over. Which one would it be?
I guess it would be Snatch - don’t matter how many times I watch it, it still makes me laugh.
If you could choose anyone at all, living or dead, what celebrity or well-known person would you have a coffee/beer with?
I think it would be interesting to see what Bruce Lee thinks of modern day MMA, not that I’m a huge fan or anything, but it would be nice to share views with him.
Who or what is your inspiration?
In MMA I guess it was Royce in the beginning, and now many people inspire me, nobody specific, I just try to be the best I can be with help from others.
How do you want to be remembered?
Honest, fun, generally good to be with outside the cage, a nasty bastard inside it!
Robbie would like to thank everyone at Tsunami Gym and Shooters MMA and his sponsor Bill at musclefinesse.com.
