Burnley champ cagefighter takes on Brazilian in title defence

The big-hitting Burnley brawler is ready for war against Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert Leonardo Santos in the crunch cage clash at BAMMA 7 on Saturday.

The 31-year-old is looking to impress at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena in his third title defence which will be broadcast live on television to mixed martial arts fans across the world.

However, the road has been tough for Sinclair who juggles a full-time job as a gas engineer, while being a hands-on father to his daughter and training as a professional fighter – but he is determined to add another win to his impressive 10-2 professional record.

“It is hard work but needs must,” said Sinclair, who is undefeated in BAMMA. “Hopefully it will change soon.

“After I won the belt at BAMMA 2 and then defended it by stopping Daniel Weichel, the number four ranked European lightweight I felt things were going well. But then my manager started finding it difficult to find me fights and opponents.”

After a frustrating wait, Sinclair is now lined up against Leonardo Santos on the main card of BAMMA 7 and is ready to let his heavy hands do the talking in the cage again.

“At the end of the day, it is not the belt that is what is important. It is the opponents I get to face and beat. Right now, I have the target on my back and people are picking me to fight and that is fine with me. I’m happy to take on the big names.”

The seasoned striker, who has split his training between Kaobon, Liverpool, and Predators Gym in Manchester, has put the hard yards in for his latest fight, adding strength and conditioning work to his training camp.

He believes fans will see a new and improved fighter let loose in the cage but he knows his opponent will be a tough proposition.

“I’m going to be ready for anything. Santos has good striking – he showed that against Jason Ball – but I think I have the advantage on the feet.

“I only have to clip him; that’s all it takes. I’m confident in my hands. I don’t think anyone can hit as hard as me when it comes to ground and pound. I just need a little bit of space and usually it’s all over.

“I respect him 100 percent but the way I look at it, I will beat him because I am the toughest. It is an indication of the champion’s mindset; all the pressure, all the hard work, comes down to this fight and, unfortunately, it is Santos who will bear the brunt of it.”

Watch Rob Sinclair in action live and exclusive on Syfy (UK) at 9 p.m. GMT and worldwide at at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

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