Tim Radcliffe "my next fight on UCMMA will be for the title"

Last weekend top 10 UK lightweight Tim Radcliffe took on Jason Ball at UCMMA ‘Feel the Pain’, Troxy, London. The night’s events were broadcast on ‘Sky Sports 2’ and took place in front of a packed house of UK MMA enthusiasts.

Radcliffe, coming off a September submission loss to Francis Heagney, was hoping for a return to winning ways against fellow top 10 lightweight Ball, who had run up an impressive 4 fight win streak in recent months.

With the fight going the full 3 rounds it looked a tough one to call. Radcliffe though was awarded a unanimous decision victory and improved his record to 9-3-0. When asked if he was pleased with the win Radcliffe replied

“I’m very happy; it was my first fight back since September 2009 so I was very keen to get this fight under my belt. It brushed the cobwebs off! “

If you ask any fighter how hey feel about leaving the fight in the hands of the judges you will more often than not get the same answer, they don’t like it. Tim Radcliffe is no different and was reflective of his performance saying

“I watched it [the delayed broadcast of his fight with Ball] on ‘Sky’ the other night and had a few moments where I was wondering what the hell I was doing!

“I didn't want the fight to go to a decision and in the first round I thought there was no chance of that happening, obviously Jason had other ideas. I clearly won the first round in my mind but I was sure I had lost the second so when I came out for the third I was determined to take it. When it was over I was convinced the third was my round. I think the takedown and control secured it for me.”

With this win secured, Radcliffe is now looking forward to his chance of a title shot against the current UCMMA lightweight champion Michael Patou confirming

“Dave O'Donnell told us that this fight was an eliminator to see who would fight Michael Pastou for the title. So yes, my next fight on Ultimate Challenge will be for the title, although a date hasn't been set yet.”

Radcliffe was previously scheduled to face Paul Sass earlier in June at OMMAC 5 in Liverpool, a win over Sass would have likely propelled him to the top of the home based UK lightweight rankings but to the disappointment of many the fight was cancelled. Holding no ill feeling for Sass, Radcliffe is hopeful that Joe Silva [UFC matchmaker] is keeping tabs on him also.

“The fight was set for the 5th June on OMMAC but Paul signed a contract with the UFC in the build up to our fight. He was forced to pull out as I assume the contract is exclusive. It was disappointing for me but on the other had it was great for Paul and I can hardly begrudge him of that! Besides I'm going to enjoy watching him beat people up in the UFC so it’s all good. Who knows what would have happened if we had fought but I reckon I would have given him his first loss.......maybe it will happen in the future if Joe Silva has been watching me.”

Asked if seeing UK based fighters being signed by the UFC adds fuel to the fire an enthusiastic Radcliffe responded

“Without a doubt. It makes it far more achievable and real, not just some pipe dream of fighting on this show you only ever watch on the TV! I think it also gives a lot of UK fighters more confidence and belief when we see Brits doing well in arguably the best environment for MMA.”

If the rumours are true that the UFC plan the host an event in the UK later this year and Sass and co are on the card then rest assured that Tim Radcliffe will be there, in the crowd at least, and he confirmed that he will be supporting all the UK fighters when the time comes.

“I'll be there screaming my lungs out for all the guys to win, especially Sass. I've been to a few of the live events when they've been in the UK and it’s an amazing atmosphere. The fact that there a Brits on the card means I have someone to cheer for. Having said that I would rather be fighting Paul in London in the UFC as that is possibly the only way it could get any better as far as I'm concerned!”

After a week long rest and some well deserved downtime Tim will be back in training before long. With no next fight yet confirmed we look forward to hearing from UCMMA with confirmation of a title fight against Pastou a very high probability.

Tim Radcliffe is currently sponsored by Hi-Pro Sport www.hi-prosport.com and Primal Fight Gear www.primalfightgear.com and would like to thank all his sponsors and those who support him.