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By: Tom Strong, MMATorch UK Contributor
This week I managed to catch up with Colin Fletcher for a few words after his split decision win over Tony Hervey at BAMMA 15, and what the future may hold for the "Freakshow."
Firstly, thank you Colin for taking the time out to answer a few questions for MMATorch.
Strong: I have to ask Colin, where did the inspiration for the clown/freakshow image come from? And do you think at times this has also held you back at all?
Fletcher: Heheheheee I'm not really sure; Stephen Kings "IT" was always one of my favourite movies. When I first started fighting, I wore a leather face costume, and a big bad wolf. But the clown just stuck and people called me "freakshow" so I played the part and had some fun with it
I was told by multiple people in the higher end of the industry "isn't it time you stopped doing the clown thing" and "you're making MMA look silly." But I do get a lot of love for it by my fans, It's how I live my life and I love it. It's maybe only held my career back, but not my overall enjoyment of life!
Strong: Many MMA fans would've seen you first when you appeared on the UFC's "Ultimate Fighter: Smashes." Looking back on the whole series, what's the most valuable lesson/experience you took away from it all?
Fletcher: I've learned a lot about myself, getting to know and live with people that I may have to fight, was really hard for me. I learned mostly how expendable fighters are in the MMA industry.
Strong: Making the TUF final must've been a high point for you, though after you had defeats to Norman Parke and then Mike Ricci where you didn't perform to your best. Was hearing the news you'd been released the lowest point in your career? Or was it something that spurned you on to become a better fighter?
Fletcher: No, not really. It wasn't the end of the world! I had really hard times for each of those fights, for totally different reasons. But ultimately I fought badly in both fight so I wasn't surprised, just disappointed with myself.
Strong: In your debut fight against Tim Newman at BAMMA 13, we saw the old/new 'Freakshow,' throwing lots of combinations and showing the fans what you are all about. How much of a relief was it, not only to get the victory, but also to prove to yourself you still belonged inside the cage?
Fletcher: It was great to just go fight again, just simple no worries or stress. I didn't set out to be the best fighter in the world, just do what I love and have some fun. I train up to 8 hours per day, six days a week to be as competitive as I can. But to be honest I never go into a fight thinking I'll win, I just wanna do the best I can. As long as I've put in my all, I'm happy. BAMMA 13 reminded me that I love being in there win loose or draw!
Strong: Had you not won against Tim Newman, or looked as good as you did, do you think you would've considered retiring from fighting?
Fletcher: Yeah I probably would have, I had some strange feelings about what had happened in my previous two fights and wasn't sure if I'd lost the love for it.
Strong: Since signing with BAMMA last year, you seem in a much happier place, and a better fighter, with just the one defeat to highly talented Mansour Barnaoui - which I regard as one of the best rounds I've ever seen. You seem like you're enjoying MMA once again, yes?
Fletcher: Totally, I put a huge amount of work into it, so that I can walk out looking silly, but hopefully not too silly inside the cage! I'm loving fighting and training at the minute.
Strong: You've been very active recently, fighting at BAMMA 13, 14, and now 15. Will we possibly see you at BAMMA 16, or will you be taking some time out from the cage?
Fletcher: Naaaaa, hopefully very active. I'm just waiting to see what the schedule is with BAMMA, I'm thinking about maybe squeezing some K1 fights in also.
Strong: If you had to pick your next opponent to fight, who would it be, and why?
Fletcher: Pennywise, for the ultimate evil clown bragging rights!!
Strong: Outside of MMA, is there anything other sports you like participating in, or watching?
Fletcher: Just hanging out with the wife and kids really, that's a sport in my eyes they can wear me out quick!
Strong: Finally, looking into that crystal ball, what do the future hold for 'Freakshow'?
Fletcher: Who knows. Hopefully some wicked fights soon, and maybe I can become a gypsy fortune teller and have a look for myself, that'd be class!
Strong: Thank you again for your time Colin, before I go, anyone you'd like to give a mention to?
Fletcher: Big thanks to Lonsdale, Aardvark Electrics, Sun Spirit Solar, WOW Solutions web design, IMS Accountants, Machinelad clothing, all my other sponsors, Made4TheCage Management, the Unity Gym, Spartan Gym, NEVT, Grapple-Fit, and mostly my beautiful wife and kids.
If you want to follow Colin Fletcher for all the latest news and up coming fights, follow him on twitter @dr_freakshow.
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