Issue 027

July 2007

As the dust settles from the UFC's slick multi-million dollar invasion, fans are bound to be thinking: what is it like to be a British MMA star? Those who are currently flying the UK flag high in the UFC might tell you of grueling training, injuries, and the upset faces of their families as they leave them to go training once again. The upside is that being a successful fighter can make you a champion to your friends and a hero to people you've never even met. Adulation, fame and respect are rewards to expect.

The advent of The Ultimate Fighter - where the winning athletes are offered six-figure deals after just a few fights – has given casual observers the impressionthat getting to the top is a lot easier than it seems, but the TUF winners who have made it big didn't just strike lucky; they worked their way there just like everyone else. Partly due to the success of shows like TUF, it is all too easy to overlook the guys not in the public eye who pay their dues month in and month out. For a variety of reasons they may never reach the heights of fame others enjoy, but that doesn't stop them from toiling away.

One such guy is Danny Batten, probably the biggest British MMA star you've never heard of. He holds the Cage Warriors featherweight [145lbs / 65.8kg] title, is respected by fighters and hardcore fans alike, and is widely recognised as the top fighter at his weight in the entire country He's fought in the United States and in Japan (twice), recently returning from a decision loss to Pancrase champion Yoshiro Maeda, where he fought on just a week's notice.

But pending the results of his next two fights in Pancrase, Danny may have to consider retiring from the sport he has poured blood, sweat and tears into (all the while holding down a full time job). In this interview with James Hoy, Danny tells us why even for a champion there may not be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Danny, you've been in the fight game for over seven years now-where did it all start?

I had been training in Tae Kwon Do for six years when I moved to Milton Keynes and had to stop, so I was looking for somewhere new to train. I'd read in a magazine about Lee Hasdell's fights in Japan [note - Hasdell was one of the first UK fighters to compete in Japan in the 90's) and was shocked when I mentioned his name to my girlfriend and she told me he was teaching his class nearby. I couldn't believe that this famous fighter would be teaching round the corner. We got introduced and I started training from then.

When was your first fight?

My first show was one of Lee's - Ring of Truth in 2000. I managed to finish the fight in 20 seconds with an armbar. But it was my next fight on one of Andy Jardine's shows, a win over a tough guy called Neil McLeod which really made my name, and I started to believe I could make it as a fighter. It was a real test of character but I eventually managed to get it to the floor and submit him with an armbar. How does your training differ now from back then? [Danny now trains with Ze Marcello/ Brazilian Top Team UK I think we just train more professionally now. Training with Lee was very tough, he worked us hard, especially on cardio. Now, we give equal attention to all the skill areas.

What are your thoughts on your recent unanimous decision loss in Japan?

The way I fought that fight was the best I could give at the time because of the short notice. I was using a hit and run tactic because I had not had time to prepare for different rules in Pancrase - I didn't want to rush in for Maeda to take me down and kick me in the head, he's a very tough fighter.

How do you fit training in with the rest of your life?

I work as a postman - it used to be an easy job but believe me it's not nowadays - so I finish work early. It means I can train once in the day and once at night, five times a week. I don't get to bed until around midnight so I survive on very little sleep. My colleagues have only recently found out about my fighting – I had to explain a few black eyes, and their response has been positive. I've also got to make time for my two young children.

How do you think the UFC coming over will affect the UK scene this time round?

It's a good thing. I think it will accelerate the growth in popularity of the smaller shows and we could see larger shows forming out of them. Hopefully that will mean better conditions and pay for the fighters.

Just how tough do fighters have it financially?

For many fighters the cost of fighting is greater than what they get paid. It costs a lot of money to train and prepare for fights. I don't think they would admit it but I'm sure fighters have had to retire because they could not support themselves. Even [Cage Rage and UFC veteran] Leigh Remedios, who was a champion and breaking on to the world scene, left fighting because they would not pay what he was asking for.

What about the standard of conditions in the fight organisations?

Unfortunately there are promotions that put cash before the health and safety of the fighters. Hopefully the standard will be raised higher by the bigger organisations so badly run promotions don't get a look in.

What do you think of Mike Bisping's success?

The way I see it is that you can make it through your skills or by being 'gobby [loud mouthed], being loud and aggressive Bisping is different in that he talks but he can back it up. The only problem is that his fortune makes it look like fighters have it easy - whereas the success stories are very few and far between.

You're reaching the peak of your career any regrets in choosing this path?

Some of the things I've done haven't led me where I thought they might. I don't know, I think some people have it born and bred in them to compete and I know it's the same for many other fighters. It is hard leaving my family but when I'm fighting they all come together, my dad tries to be there and my brother and friends. Fighting makes you the centre of attention and I like that too. I get rewards from it in other ways apart from the money.

What next?

We will see - it all depends on what happens after my next two fights in Pancrase, against the number two and number three contenders. I really enjoyed being in America, Las Vegas is great because there is lots to do while you are waiting to fight. Hopefully something will happen, and I can get over there again.