John Hathaway’s impressive defeat of Diego Sanchez in La Vegas two months ago has earned the Sussex mixed martial artist another step up in class when he fights next at the 02 Arena, London, on October 16, against veteran Mike Pyle.
It had been widely reported, speculatively, that Hathaway would be facing Dong Hyun Kim in the first UFC event in the UK for eleven months.
It could be a contest to relish for the former rugby union academy player, still only 22. Hathaway admitted after his all-round performance against Sanchez that he was content to return to the gym to have six months preparation before entering the Octagon again. Pyle will prove to be another examination. Win it, and Hathaway, undefeated in four fights in the UFC, is truly beginning to make strides.
Pyle’s first professional mixed martial arts bout was in 1999 against future UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson. It was also Jackson’s pro MMA debut, Rampage outweighing Pyle by over two stones. Jackson won on decision.
in my opinon its a step back. fighting sanchez then steppin back to pyle u hav nothing to gain and everything to lose ?
Definitely a good match-up. Pyle is tough and skilled and will be there to stop you, but I don’t think he can.
john hathaway is literally the perfect fighter in the making. His composure and focus is of such a high standard it puts him immediately in a very strong position on fightnight due to any nerves being dealt with and suffocated out so can purely focus on his job of winning and to john this is his job! training is his work and every fight is a possible promotion within the business! He is an outstanding athlete and wouldnt be wrong to describe him as a machine!! I think john is gracefull and shy in all the right areas and yet can create huge tension and smouldering aggression without even talking. He will become a UFC champion i seriously dont doubt that and to every fighter out there with more experience and status they should recognise this young man and show respect to a boy in the industry who can already provide talents that are superior to his reputation! My friend john hathaway who i am proud to say ive trained with and been punched on by, he is a true legend in the making. peace. ‘BANG-MAN’