Euro Centric- An Interview with Top UK Prospect Jim Wallhead

Loughborough England - Jim Wallhead is next. Is it possible for a single MMA fighter to outgrow an entire MMA region? In the ever evolving climate of MMA in the UK, Wallhead is a man on an island. 

Wallhead is rated as a five star prospect at 170 pounds; he's young (25 years old), trains at one of Europe's best camps (Team Rough House), and has a wealth of in ring experience (nearly 25 professional bouts).

This three pronged combination not only makes Wallhead a dangerous opponent, but it also makes it difficult to find the proper level of opposition domestically.

Former Cage Rage British Champion and Ultimate Fighter Season nine competitor Che Mills will be the next man standing across the cage from Wallhead. The 27 year old holds an 8-1 professional MMA record with two notable wins over current Dream Welterweight champ Marius Zaromskis. The welterweight showdown headlines Knuckle Up 3 and is one of the biggest fights of 2009 in the UK.

For Wallhead this fight may serve as the beginning of his farewell tour to the local UK MMA scene as "Judo" Jim has the UFC along with other national promotions within his grasp. Whichever major promotion ends up signing Wallhead they will be getting a polished prospect that is itching to prove his skills at the highest level.

The former British under 21 Judo champion is currently ranked number 12 on the Ultmma50, a pound for pound list of the top 50 unsigned prospects in all of MMA.

ULTMMA (www.ultmma.com) was able to catch up with Wallhead in the final week leading up to the most important fight of his career. Wallhead opened up about his opponent Che Mills, being an alternate for season nine of the Ultimate Fighter, and local MMA in the UK. 

ULTMMA.com: How has training been going for this fight? Have you added anything in particular to your game in preparation for Mills?

Jim Wallhead: My training has gone really well for this fight I don't think it could of been much better, as for adding stuff in not really just put more time in the areas where I hope to push my gameplan.

ULTMMA: Is this the biggest fight of your career? Any added pressure?

Wallhead: It's definitely one of the biggest fights of my career and because it is there is an obvious feeling of pressure but to be honest right I am very relaxed.

ULTMMA: How do you match-up with Mills? What do you his game plan will be to try to stop you?

Wallhead: I think we match up to make a very entertaining fight and both are strong all rounders. I believe Che will want to push the stand up and be working on his submissions and takedown defense.

ULTMMA: In your opinion how close were you to being on TUF 9? Is there anything you think you could have done differently in order to get on the show?

Wallhead: I am not sure how close I was obviously. I was an alternate but not sure how close to being first pick. I have no idea what I could of done more to get on the show was just myself.

ULTMMA: Did you watch any episodes from that season? What did you think of the Welterweights that ended up being on the show?

Wallhead: I watched every episode and enjoyed every minute I think the guys did awesome just wish I could of been involved.

ULTMMA: You train at such a star studded gym with great fighters and coaches. What do you learn from guys like Daley and Hardy? How do you continue to become a better fighter?

Wallhead: We got a great team and great motivation we all push each other every day and I think that alone will keep us continuing to grow, I am also looking to travel a little more next year and get some wrestling over in the USA.

ULTMMA: Win or lose on November 1st what is Jim Wallhead's game plan for 2010? What is your ideal scenario? More fights overseas in the US? More local fights? Ever thought about fighting for Japanese promotions Dream or Sengoku?

Wallhead: Well hopefully I win and next year I can begin a long competitive road in the UFC that's the goal, but of course Strikeforce or Dream would be equally as awesome. I just so badly want to be on the big show

ULTMMA: Talk about the local UK MMA scene. How has it changed since when you started in 2005? Where do you see it headed in 2010?

Wallhead: The popularity of MMA is on the rise but still not the same as the USA this year has been very poor in the UK, as there has hardly been any shows because of factors such as the recession and maybe a little bit with UFC taking over everything.

ULTMMA: Any people or sponsors you would like to thank?

Thank u for opportunity to do this interview also all my fans for their support

Fighterstrength.com- Ollie Richardson

Leicester shoot fighters- Nathan Leverton

Cobra Thai boxing-Owen Comrie

Team Rough House

Warrior promotions

Tokyo Five Jeans - who are sponsoring me for the fight