Issue 050
June 2009
Hard-hitting Alex Reid of the London Shootfighters is one of the most experienced and recognisable faces in UK MMA.
Despite losing to Dean Amasinger in an eliminator bout which kept him out of The Ultimate Fighter television series, Reid is looking forward to a busy 2009 and a rematch with old foe, Mark ‘The Wizard’ Weir.
Where are you?
I’m at home, in front of the computer, I was about to jump in the bath. I’ve got K-1 sparring with Gary Turner in one hour, I’ve just done an hour’s jiu-jitsu. Two-hour’s break, I’m trying to fit in a quick sun bed, because you’ve got to make yourself look beautiful!
What is the hardest you’ve ever punched someone?
Dave Menne, I punched him a beauty about 30 seconds before the end of the fight and he was OUT! And he just held onto me. I just thought ‘Noooo!’ All I needed was another 10 seconds. When you find that beautiful moment, when you connect and you feel them going…
What is your favourite win?
I fought Mark Day and he beat the shit out of me for a whole round, he just held me down and beat the shit out of me. I remember that fight because I came from the brink of death, it felt. I remember walking back at the end of the first round and my cornermen were shouting at me, it was as if it was in slow motion, ‘Reidy, just punch straight!’ So I ran out, just punched straight, caught him and he went down. I was so far behind, but I just believed in myself and dug deep.
How did the fight with Dean Amasinger go?
I didn’t hurt Dean, saying that he really didn’t hurt me. I thought I was actually close to winning the fight. I had him in a triangle and I could see his hand going up to tap, but he did a really good job of defending it. I had this triangle locked in but my legs went to jelly and he slipped out.
You supposed to face Mark Weir once again later this year, how does that feel?
I’m loving it. If I won the lottery, I would pay Mark Weir whatever he wants to fight me. That’s going to happen at some point. I think that that is a fight that everyone wants to see. Let’s hope there is someone who will put it on… If I win the lottery tonight, I’ll be giving Mark a call!
How do you see the fight going?
I could do it the sensible way, or I could do it the gritty way. I’m more than comfortable to stand and put pressure on him. I’ll be on him, cutting the angles. I’m going to get him against the cage, beat him up, hold him against the cage, beat him up, take him down and beat him up some more… Pressure, pressure, pressure.
What would you like written on your gravestone?
‘Never give up on your dreams, you don’t know how close you are.’
Alex Reid spoke with Jim Page.
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