Issue 158
September 2017
Despite competing in arguably MMA’s strongest weight class, Terry Brazier has come a long way in a short amount of time.
The British Army veteran only turned pro in November 2015, but has already fought his way to the BAMMA Lonsdale title and has his eyes on greater prizes in the very near future.
What’s even more surprising about his success is the way in which he arrived into the fight game.
“I was discharged from the army with PTSD,” he says. “I was just in a bad place. I walked into the gym and started training with Dean Amasinger (coach) and he said I could make something out of this, so stick at it. I was an amateur for a couple of years and then went pro. That was the target. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it.”
As soon as ‘The Dominator’ stepped up to that level, he barely stopped. Eight wins out of nine fights in 18 months catapulted him to the top of the British 170lb division in one of Europe’s top promotions, earning him admiration from the fams and his peers.
The highlight of his short career so far was easily his come-from-behind submission win against Walter Gahadza. His fellow Englishman was 16-1, a massive favorite to win and dropped Brazier early, but ‘The Sniper’ wilted under the pressure from strikes on the feet and relentless grappling.
It was a performance typical of the champion’s never-say-die style.
“If I lose through getting knocked out standing toe-to-toe with someone, it’s not a bad loss. Just look at Ross Pearson, Brad Pickett – they were loved in the UFC. That’s a typical British fighter and that’s a good reputation to have.
Bisping’s the same and I suppose a lot of British fighters are like that. I put myself under the same blanket.
“I don’t see myself as strong anywhere. When I’m wrestling against people like Bradley Scott who are in the UFC and I can hold my own, I have to put down grappling. I can roll with black belts all day long, although I’ve only done jiu-jitsu for a year.
At the same time, I stand and bang with people,” he adds with a laugh. “I suppose my resilience and heart is my greatest asset.”
Add in a week of sleepless nights after the birth of his son and a battle with food poisoning on the eve of the event, and the win seems even more impressive – not that the 30-year-old will dwell on it. As soon as his hand was raised, Brazier said he wasn’t interested in his new belt. He wanted the BAMMA world title, or a shot in the UFC.
He got into this game late compared to most, and has no time to waste.
“If I don’t see myself moving forward, I’d retire. It takes too much dedication and time away from your family to do it as a hobby…
"There have been times when I’ve thought, why am I doing this? But every goal I’ve set in my life I’ve achieved. This is no different and I’m just going to keep on going until I’ve achieved what I’m capable of. Until I’ve hit that level, I won’t stop.”
3 MORE TO WATCH
SHAIANNA RINCON, USA
‘Yaya’ was punched clean a few times by Brooksie Bayard, but she was pretty hard on herself after her win seeing as it was only the 23-year-old’s pro debut.
Just like MMA Gold training partner Aspen Ladd, she’s tough and technical, and a promising addition to Invicta’s 135lb class.
KENNETH BERGH, NORWAY
Perhaps a little inexperienced for TUF when he failed to make it on to season 23, but a return to the regional scene has given him the opportunity to improve his game.
The light heavyweight is now 6-0, with six stoppages – five via submission – and is a strong candidate for a Cage Warriors title.
JAMES NAKASHIMA, USA
The unbeaten Legacy Fighting Alliance welterweight comes from college wrestling, but training at Glendale, Arizona has turned him into an aggressive striker, too.
He says he’s ready for the UFC and has all the tools for it, but could do with a finish to catch the eye of Octagon matchmakers.
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