I have real difficulties to be matched. In France, MMA is still illegal and we only have a few events a year, where we do “pancrase” (close to semi-pro rules). I have tried many times to get matched in the UK and I have been matched sometimes, but all have been cancelled.
The first time was to fight Chris Petrie in september 2010 at Total Combat. I have injured my wrist three weeks before and thought it was honest to tell the organiser, they replaced me, which I understand, but the day of the fight I was able to do it. But I understand them. After this, I have tried to be matched with them, they say yes we will, but I never have a word or a proposal, except a last minute ask, without paying flights etc.
I was matched to fight a man named Chris Alexander at 10th legion, but the org cancelled the show. They said I was going to be put on a next card but it’s been ages I am waiting for this new proposal…. well I paid for the flight, no money back, and no proposal again.
Lately I was scheduled to take on Callum Cook at Pride and Glory, November 5th 2011. Again, the event has been cancelled. The org did not tell me about it, I found this out on Facebook and he never got back at me when I messaged him about a possible next show. I already paid the flight. Again, I wont have money back.
I email orgs regularly. Fight UK MMA sounded really interested but now I don’t have any more news.
Other shows just never answer. They ask for fighters and when I message them, I have nothing back. No respect at all.
So, all these cancellations or “no more news” are very bad. Just like I dont really have motivation or no one really gives me credit. You need to have some goals to get ready and to train properly. All I have is just promises.
This post is not to make any polemic or things like this, but I had to say that’s a nightmare to get matched. Orgs often play with this.
