How long have you been training MMA?
Just over four years at Team Titan in North London. I'd done a bit of boxing training before that, but I never competed - the place where I trained wasn't an affiliate club, so I never had the chance.
What's your MMA record?
I was 4-0 as an amateur and I'm 3-0 since turning pro last year.
What's been your toughest fight to date?
My second professional fight. It was against a guy called Mankunga Bunduku at UCMMA 37, and it was really back and forth. I learnt a lot about myself in that fight.
How much training do you do on a weekly basis?
I work as a scaffolder three days a week, so I have to fit my training in around that, but I usually spend ten plus hours at the gym. I've had to shut a lot of other things out of my life to compete in MMA.
What does a typical strength and conditioning session look like?
I lift weights, but not too heavy. Mostly I'll just do circuits to improve my conditioning, mixing treadmill sprints with press-ups and pad work. One of my favourite exercises is the clean and press using a Bulgarian bag.
You're fighting Marvin Vettori for the UCMMA welterweight title this Saturday. What's the biggest threat he poses?
He's been training for a while and he's a well-rounded fighter, but I think he's going to try and take me down. I'm well-rounded too, but striking is definitely my strongest suit, so I'm going to try and keep the fight standing.
What are your short-term career goals?
I want to break into the UK top ten in the next couple of years. If I can keep fighting regularly - ideally three times a year - and winning, then it'll happen.
Bill Beaumont fights Marvin Vettori at UCMMA 40 on Saturday 6th September at The Troxy in London. Buy tickets here.
