October 10, 2007
KING OF THE CAGE UPDATE
French Ready to Take On Ireland Nov. 21st
By Kelsey Mowatt
King of the Cage Lightweight Champion Clayton French continues to prepare for his upcoming title defense against Jason Ireland. The title fight, which will take place on the KOTC “Bad Boys” card November 21st, at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt.Pleasant, MI, will mark French’s third bout as champion. On January 19th earlier this year, French defeated long time reigning champion and current “Ultimate Fighter” competitor, Mac Danzig by Split Decision, to become the current KOTC champ. Although French (13-2) has now won 5 straight fights and is gradually making a name for himself in the MMA world, it can be hard at times for lightweight fighter’s to get recognized in a sea of talented 155lb. fighters. French is keenly aware that a win over fellow Pride veteran Jason Ireland could be another key addition to his already growing resume.
“Yeah, he’s definitely a good opponent,” says French when asked about the attention that might be directed towards his upcoming fight with Ireland. “He’s been in there with a lot of tough guys, just got to be ready to go. Should be a really good fight, he’s a really tough guy and comes to bring it.”
Ireland is 3-2 in his last five fights, with his only losses during that stint coming to former KOTC lightweight champ Mac Danzig and Joachim Hansen, which was a spirited submission loss to the Norwegian fighter at Ireland’s Pride debut this past February. In fact, the veteran Ireland has only lost 4 fights since 2003, with his other two losses coming against UFC competitors in Jorge Gurgel and Dustin Hazelett. Most recently Ireland knocked out Mike McDonnell in the second round at KOTC “Explosion” in June.
“I’m going to do what I always do,” French says in discussing his plans for the upcoming fight with Ireland. “Usually I work the ground game and do some stand-up, keep constant pressure on them the whole fight. Look for submissions, look for the TKO and try to get him out of there as soon as possible you know?”
French’s comes from a highly credentialed wrestling background, as the former collegiate wrestler also coached the Eastern Illinois University wrestling team. On account of his grappling abilities, French feels he will be able to dictate where he would like his upcoming fight with Ireland to take place.
“Oh, without a doubt, without a doubt,” French tells FCF when asked if he feels his wrestling will be better than Irelands. “There are very few people in MMA that have a lot better wrestling than me. Just have to get well rounded, can’t just be a wrestler in MMA. I don’t foresee him getting me on my back at all, I’ll be able to dictate where I want the fight to go, if I want to take him down, I’ll take him down, if I want to stand with him, I’ll stand with him.”
French is coming off a submission win over Sam Jackson at Extreme Challenge 82 on August 18th, and prior to that, the KOTC champion faced Buddy Clinton in back to back fights. After there initial meeting in May, at KOTC “Damage Control” resulted in a Split Decision victory for French, the two signed for a rematch bout in August. At KOTC “Collision Course” on August 5th, French stopped Clinton in the third round for the TKO win due to a cut.
“I dominated the second fight with him in every aspect I thought,” says French when asked about his second fight with Clinton. “It should have been that way the first time I fought him, I just was my own worst enemy. I know what I can do, so I just went out there, took him down, passed his guard and elbowed him the whole fight. I mean he’s a really tough guy, has really good jiu-jitsu, so I got to give him props. I think he’s a tougher opponent for me than Jason Ireland personally, being how good his jiu-jitsu is. Once I pass Ireland’s guard, I don’t think he’ll be able to get it back which will be a bad situation for him.”
French’s fight with Ireland will be his last on his current contract with KOTC, and regardless of what transpires in the upcoming bout, French should remain a sought after free agent. Due to ProElite’s recent acquisition of the KOTC promotion, French admits he is excited about the possibility of re-signing with the organization.
“I do think I’m more apt to resign with King of the Cage since EliteXC bought them,” French tells FCF. “It’s going to work out well I think, fight purses are going to increase, more exposure, and with me being the champ at my weight class, that would be my fourth defense by the time I sign with them, it will give me a little bit more leverage in negotiations. I don’t see myself leaving right now, just because no one right now is knocking down the door.”
That situation might change come November 22nd provided French can get by Ireland. As far as a prediction for the fight?
“I’m going to say TKO second or third.”