Danny and Stevie up for London bouts
Whitburn pair in peak shape for tough challenges
Higher Level Martial Arts in Whitburn will be hoping for double success at UFC London on Saturday.
The gym’s Danny Henry and Stevie Ray are on the card in the capital and will be looking to take steps forward in their respective careers with statement victories.
Henry, who boasts a 1-0 record with the organisation following his debut success in Glasgow last year, takes on Hakeem Dawodu and Ray faces Kajan Johson with the 27-year-old coming off defeat in his last bout in July last year.
Henry admitted it was a gruelling training camp but reckons that’s no bad thing.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get the show on the road after a long training camp and getting out there and getting the job done.
“London is as close as I can get to a home fight in the UFC other than Glasgow so that helps a wee bit with things like travel.
“It’s funny because before Glasgow, I hadn’t fought in the UK for a good few years and now I’ve had two opportunities in one year to fight on the big stage here.
“It’s been a really challenging camp but that’s what you want because you want to be heading into bouts at the top of your game and I feel like I’m there.”
He added: “Hakeem is from a strong striking background and is explosive as well as being a good athlete. He’s got a good track record but fighting undefeated guys is nothing new to me and I know my own game.
“It’s a one- man game so there’s really nothing I can do about my opponent, I just need to concentrate on myself and go out there and do my thing and concentrate on my own strengths.
“All I can do is make sure that I’m in the right shape, both mentally and physically, on fight night and I really feel confident about that.
“This is my biggest fight in terms of exposure and size of the crowd but that’s not something that fazes me at all. It’s another good opportunity for me but I need to make sure I take it.”
Head coach James Doolan said: “The two guys are brilliant and they’ve put the work in to be in the best shape heading into London and now it’s a case of them going out their and performing.
“They’re both looking to take that next step in their careers and showing that they belong on this stage and getting wins at the weekend will show folk how good they both are.
“They are in peak shape going into their fights.”