God-like status for Bisp
Lascelles continue to excel
MARK GODBEER is determined to follow in Michael Bisping’s footsteps by winning a UFC title.
Godbeer, 33, has his third fight when he meets Walt Harris at UFC 216 in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday.
And the former BAMMA heavyweight champion from Somerset said: “It was through watching the likes of Michael Bisping that I was inspired to take up MMA at the relatively late age of 25.
“Bisping is the prime example of never giving up. He battled on for 10 years before he finally became middleweight champion.
“He always kept plugging away to become the first Brit to do that and that’s the kind of approach I am following.
“You couldn’t get a better role model than Bisping. Hopefully I can get the same kind of end result as him by becoming champion.”
‘The Hand Of ’ Godbeer joined the UFC last September and suffered a first-round submission defeat to Justin Ledet on his debut in Belfast two months later.
He then gained a unanimous points win over Daniel Spitz in Las Vegas in March and believes he can now progress through the rankings.
He said: “If you could pick a division to make your name in, it has to be the heavyweight scene.
“I really do feel, with the right mindset, that I can handle the top five guys in the division.
“My goal is to become the heavyweight champion and I aim to keep working and working until I get there.” REMA LASCELLES hopes to write a new chapter in his family’s book of sporting achievement.
Dad Tim is a Derby Storm legend, while younger brother Jamaal is the captain of Newcastle United.
“It means a lot to me to be following in my dad’s footsteps,” said the Leicester Riders guard.
“I grew up watching my dad play everyday and developed a love for the game because of that. When Jamaal ® captained his side back to the Premier League, that was probably one of the most proudest moments as a brother.
“It was an amazing feeling to watch him lift the trophy in front of 52,000 Newcastle supporters and a memory that I will never forget.”
Lascelles (right) joined last season’s BBL treble winners in the summer and his new side opened their season with a 86-70 win at Manchester Giants.
“Getting that openingnight victory was very important,” he said.
“It is very exciting to be part of the Riders squad this season and is a great feeling to be able to play professional basketball so close to home.
“We can take some momentum into our first home game and need to bring 100 per cent to every practice to keep growing and improving as a team.”