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The ninth season of The Ultimate Fighter (USA vs. UK) produced two very strong lightweights in season winner Ross Pearson and runner up Andre Winner.
While Winner and Pearson are currently the more predominant members of Team UK, there is another member of the camp who has been quietly getting on with his work and improving his game every day. I am of course talking about “Slick” Nick Osipczak.
Osipczak stood southpaw in the TUF 9 preliminary fight, which deceived everyone going into the next round when he switched to orthodox. This was a great tactic which played a part in seeing Nick through to the semi-finals to face DaMarques Johnson.
During the semi-final showdown Osipczak had Johnson rocked and almost scored the knockout. Johnson managed to weather the storm and hang on for a decision victory.
While that fight is recorded as an exhibition, Osipczak will still no doubt love to set the record straight in an eventual re-match. I caught up with Nick last week, and speaking exclusively to MMATorch, Osipczak said: “Whatever happens... happens. I’m not the kind of guy to call people out... yet! But if the rematch was set, of course I’d relish the chance to get my own back. I’m alot better and experienced now!”
Osipczak left the TUF house and became a fully fledged member of Team Rough House training with the team from that point. After defeating Frank Lester at the season finale Nick then took on and stopped Matt Riddle at UFC 105. It has quickly become apparent that Osipczak means business.
Discussing his huge improvements in between fights Osipczak said: “I put that down to hard training with the best coaches and sparring partners. I mix my training up between London, Leicester and Nottingham. I’ve defiantly improved since my last one, especially in my fitness and strength.”
Team Rough House is growing so much stronger as a camp with Jimmy Wallhead due to make his Bellator debut later this month and most other members active in recent weeks, so it’s no surprise these fellas are pushing one another to the limit.
Rick “The Horror” Story is next up for Osipczak, and the Brit seemed fairly certain of how he sees the fight going: “I see myself having an advantage on my feet and on the ground and as tough as he is - I’m confident I can finish him. I have a decent reach advantage so (I) plan to pick him off and hopefully use some of the knee and elbow combos I’ve been working on.”
The fight against Matt Riddle was most likely the best fight on the card at UFC 105 despite Michael Bisping vs. Dennis Kang getting the honours. With that in mind, another high level performance from Osipczak could see him moving closer to main card status. Perhaps at the next Fight Night?
Discussing Nick Osipczak, Rough House training partner, and corner man for tomorrow, Dean Amasinger told me last week; “Lookout for a standout performance from him. Come Sunday, he will have raised his stock in the MMA world.”
I have been hearing alot of great things coming out about this camp and I fully expect another step up in the performance Osipczak delivers. This whole event in Abu Dhabi is one that will go down in history for several reasons, and while Osipczak can’t wait to fight himself, he is keen to enjoy the whole experience. Still keeping his sense of humour Nick told me: “This is somewhere I had wanted to go, so it ties in perfectly having the UFC pay for flights and accommodation. It’s an honour to be on such a momentous card and I can’t wait to sit back and relax with a beer watching the likes of BJ Penn and Anderson Silva do their thing - after I win my fight!”
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Park's Analysis: There is no doubt that the Nick Osipczak that faced Matt Riddle was on another level to the guy who fought DaMarques Johnson in the house. I have always said I would love to see that re-match – maybe in the UK if they both win tomorrow.
Several people who have been training with Nick in this camp have told me he has improved massively and will make a statement tomorrow night.
Remember UFC 112 airs at the more sociable hour of 5pm Live on ESPN: UK.
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Chris Park is the MMATorch UK Specialist. Please email any comments or questions to Chris at; mmatorchuk@gmail.com or look us up at http://www.facebook.com/mmatorchuk our new MMATorch Facebook home for UK Fans!
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