Canadian viewers will find out if England's Brad "One Punch" Pickett can live up to his nickname when the hit mixed martial arts series Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Combat continues on The Score Television Network. The former Cage Rage British featherweight champion (9-2) takes on J.R. Sims (1-1) of Las Vegas in lightweight action this Tuesday, September 11 at 9 p.m. and midnight EST.
Like most boys born and raised in London, England, Pickett hoped to become a professional footballer (soccer player), until discovering the sport of boxing at age 19. A natural, Pickett soon amassed an impressive amateur record of 9-1, including a string of quick knockouts, prompting British fans to label him "One Punch".
The nickname stuck, despite Pickett's switch to MMA at the age of 25. Just as well, considering he still prefers to KO his opponents.
"I'm not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone," says the 29-year-old. "I just like to put on a good show and entertain the crowd."
That sentiment extends to his pre-fight ritual as well, with Pickett entering the ring dressed as a 'pikey' - complete with suspenders and Trilby hat - to the song "Wallop" by Chas & Dave.
"Fans love it," laughs the British brawler.
While relatively new to MMA with just a pair of pro fights under his belt, the 23-year-old Sims also boasts a strong boxing pedigree. His uncle (and trainer) is the legendary Skip Kelp, coach of the UNLV Boxing Team. Needless to say, Sims is looking forward to trading shots with Pickett.
"He'll probably want to fight me standing up," predicts Sims. "That's okay, because I hit pretty hard, so if he wants to throw down I'm more than ready!"
Despite his underdog status, Sims is determined to prove he belongs in the MMA ring.
"To win means going on to bigger and better things and I don't feel like going backwards," he says.
"I couldn't care less about him," replies Pickett. "I hear he's a bit of a brawler, so let's just see who can take a good punch and who can give a good punch. I'm going to knock his head off."
In other action, 27-year-old Rafael "The Claw" Dias (7-1) of Florida takes on 34-year-old Sami Aziz (2-0) of Sweden.
Don't miss Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Combat, airing Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. and midnight EST in Canada on The Score.
Visit NewBodogFight.com for more information.
