CIARAN CLARKE TURNS ON THE POWER IN BIG PARIS WIN
DROGHEDA’S MMA superstar Ciaran Clarke (25) became the king of France on Saturday night after a stunning win over home town man Jean N’Doye at the Accor Arena in Paris.
It was Clarke’s third professional fight, after earlier wins over George Courtney and Jamie Foulding last February, and his third successive win, not having managed that feat in his glorious amateur career that spanned 24 contests all over the world.
‘I kill myself in training and I put pressure on people. I kno what I’m good at’
The Bellator Euro Series 10 was the first such contest in France and saw Clarke claim a unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27).
Afterwards, the Drogheda man spoke of his delight at the win, feeling he was the underdog going there against the local man.
His big advantage is that he had dozens of fights since N’Doye last fought seven years ago. The Frenchman was looking to get back on the stage and would have eyed a win against the battling Boynesider.
‘I was so happy to get the win. He was old school and I was coming in to lose. I was chuffed to get the win,’ he stated.
He has drawn a reputation as being a slow starter in fights, but declared ‘ he’s coming’ when the fight goes late.
‘I kill myself in training and I put pressure on people. I know what I’m good at.’
He said the experience of going to Paris was incredible, especially in front of fans.
‘ This is my job, I train full time, to be in Paris, I’m chuffed,’ he added.
He said the support he gets from Drogheda is unbelievable and he thanked his sponsors for the backing he needs to make it to the very top.
The Featherweight star said the wars he fought in the amateur ranks has stood to him as he stands on the brink of bigger days with Bellator promotions.
He says he wants to take his career one fight at a time and he’s still young at 25, but his biggest problem is saying no to whatever contest comes up.
‘Saturday was a great win for me and I’m here to fight the best,’ he stated.