FCC 35: Main Event

Words by Murdo Todd

Since the reopening in 1990, the Olympia has been headlined by combat sports events, music artist and dance shows.

On 9th September however, it will be the turn of Joe Cummins and Amaury Junior, who will both be vying for the vacant FCC Lightweight Title.

After what is set to be an action-packed night of both amateur and professional bouts, Cummins and Amaury will do battle over a scheduled five rounds.

Cummins, who boasts an impressive 10-2 record, will be in search of his second title under the promotion, after winning the Welterweight Title last time out.

‘Silk’ made quick work of Dez Parker, stopping his fellow Englishman in the first round with leg kicks.

This win also marked four first round stoppages in a row, including a submission win over Dana White Contender Series vet, Thomas Paull.

Comfortable anywhere, Cummins will head into the fight the favourite, full of confidence and in hunt of a finish.

However, it’s not just his skills that will be on show come fight night, but also his knowledge of mixed martial arts. Cummins, who has been fighting for over a decade, also takes his coaching duties at Ronin MMA just as seriously.

Aside from fighting, Cummins is a devoted family man who’s fighting spirit is inspired by those around him. Talking in 2019, Cummins attributed his tenacity to his mother.

“I've got the soft side from being brought up by a female, but my mum is Irish and she is really fiery,” began Cummins. “She always used to tell me to stand up for myself, if you are ever in problems, you only go forward, never back. The best way of defence is attack, no matter what.

"She always used to say to me that she would rather visit me in a hospital bed after I have defended myself rather than having walked away.” (H/T Express & Star)

While technically fantastic, Cummins will have to deal with the experienced Amaury Junior who will not be travelling from Brazil just to roll over. Junior, who has over twice as many fights as Cummins, has been fighting professionally for almost two decades after making in debut back in 2005. Training out of Brazilian Top Team, Junior has some serious grappling skills to his name and holds 12 submission victories out of his 15 wins. The 35-year-old is also riding his own stoppage streak, having back-to-back arm triangle wins, the most recent of which came against a 12-5 opponent.

Junior is also used to a hostile environment after taking on former PFL champion, Brendan Loughnane in his hometown of Manchester back in 2018.

While the fight is scheduled for five rounds, the scorecards will not likely be necessary considering both men’s finishing ability. A win here will further solidify Cummins status as one of the country’s best fighters around the weight, and victory for Junior would be the biggest of his career, opening up many new opportunities.

Get your tickets now as this is not one to miss!

Or if you can’t make it enjoy the show at home live on UFC Fight Pass.

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