McGahon Interviews: Rob Sinclair

SevereMMA’s Andrew McGahon caught up with top UK lightweight Rob Sinclair, who has just recently been signed to fight for Bellator MMA and is coming off an impressive victory over former UFC fighter Andre Winner.

McGahon: How did the Bellator deal come about, did your management approach them or did they approach you.

Sinclair: Hey dude. I’ve been in contact with Bellator a while now, for probably a couple of years, it was just never the right time for me, I felt I needed more experience, to be able to compete on a world stage. Once they got in contact again I already knew I was going to sign with them.

McGahon: How long is the deal for and is there a requirement of how many times you must fight in 12 months.

The deal is 2 years or 6 fights. Whatever ends sooner, with options at the end.

McGahon: At 33 perhaps you thought the call from the US would not come, or has it come at the perfect time riding off a 5 fight win streak?

I always had confidence that big team players would come at some point, and some people say hmmmm, you’re 33 and getting on a bit, but I’m fitter and stronger than ever to be honest. I’ll be coming into my peak in 2 years or so.

McGahon: Are you relocating to the states or will the majority of your training be done in the UK?

Nope. Predators MMA is my home, always has been and always will be. I’ve got just what I need here for the camps, that’s not to say I won’t train there ( The US ) at some point, but Predators is my home.

McGahon: Do you think the improvements in UKMMA will help fighters get to the US at an earlier age than 10 years ago when you were 23?

Yeah definitely, kids are starting MMA at an age just like they start boxing. It’s the fastest growing sport in the world.! I see 16/17 year olds competing at an amatuer level already at shows. It’s really awesome, I wish MMA was as popular when I was 16 or 17.

McGahon: Were you told why Bellator signed 3 UK fighters at once. Do you expect them to have a show over here and were you told about one ?

I was told they were signing another 155 pound fighter, but they wouldn’t tell me who. Then I found out 1 was Martin Stapleton who I’ve trained with for the last 4 or 5 years. I’ve heard they going to do a show over here, but that’s just rumours, hopefully they will.

McGahon: What is your end goal in Bellator or what do you initially hope to achieve in your first 12 months?

Firstly I just want to win the first fight, and showcase what I can do. Nobody has seen a fully fit and prepared Rob Sinclair. IF and that’s a big IF, I fulfill my potential then I’ll be the first British fighter to win a belt in a major organisation this time next year!

McGahon: Anybody you would like to thank ?

I’d like to thank Mike and Peter at TFL Management, Predators MMA and Gavin, Dave Bell at perform centre. My Physio Emma Fletcher, Thebestvandeals.co.uk. BadBoy, Real Nutirion, Soulmate Foods, Smugglingdugs, Funkygums, Glenn Slater contractors, BAMMA for their co-operation and my family and friends!