The White Tiger has landed

Irshaad Sayed talks EFC55 against Demarte Pena

www.irshaadsayed.com

The L.A Dosage was invited to a brief blogger's lunch on Monday, November 7 to discuss Irshaad Sayed's food venture which he will be launching in Cape Town called First Access. We also happen to be keen lovers of all things sport and we found the best opportunity to have a chat to him about his MMA career and his upcoming fight against Demarte 'The Wolf' Pena for the Bantamweight title.

Here's what the White Tiger had to say in a few words. . . 

The L.A Dosage: How did you get into MMA, and making it a part of your career?

Irshaad Sayed: I started with kickboxing when I was younger, and had my first professional boxing fight when I was 17. It was a natural progression into MMA. There was a time when I was fighting in both MMA and Muay Thai at the same time but it got to a point where I decided to stop fighting in both and shifted my focus to MMA. My second loss showed me that I need to start focusing more on my grappling and started paying attention on mastering this craft. 

Twitter: Two champions getting heated at the weigh-ins

The L.A Dosage: What's your favourite strike/submission to use in any fight?

Irshaad Sayed: I would definitely say my favourite strike is the counter-left hook. That's one punch that's worked for me - it's one of those things that has pulled through for me countless times in my career as it comes naturally for me. Submission wise I can't say I have a favourite to be honest. All my submissions have come by a rare neck- and -choke but that comes by setting it up with strikes. It all depends when the opportunity arises when I am on the ground but that doesn't mean I am always looking for submissions when I am on the ground. 

The L.A Dosage: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Irshaad Sayed: Uhm . . . I tend to draw inspiration from a number of sources; obviously training partners and friends but you also have the greatest icons like Mohammed Ali. Growing up he was always the figure I looked up to and drew inspiration from; then there are the cliches like Bruce Lee but who doesn't get inspired by him and his work. So I would say my inspiration is mainstream. 

Irshaad Sayed

The L.A Dosage: What separates you from every fighter in your division?

Irshaad Sayed: Definitely my international exposure- my overseas training camps. The fact that I have extensive experience in Muay Thai and kickboxing and then making the transition into MMA. Competition time is something you can't take away from me, being in that kind of zone is something that's pricelesss. Any amount of sparring doesn't equate to any fight. So I think that is what favours me over the other fighters.

The L.A Dosage: If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?

Irshaad Sayed: Well within the EFC, I am definitely getting my dream fight (at this time on the 11th of Nov, he will be taking on Demarte Pena). Regardless of the belt I wanted this fight; if this kind of fight was with someone else then I wouldn't be satisfied. I am going into this fight to prove to myself and to everyone else that I am the best Bantamweight within the EFC. Moving forward outside of the EFC and onto a global scale will be something I'll focus on when the time comes. I want to get this fight with Pena out of the way first before I start shifting my focus elsewhere. I still have another year with the EFC. Who knows what will happen thereafter. This will also depend who will pay me the most money. I have been doing this for ten years and still have another eight or ten in me; I want to make as much money so that when I retire I don't have to get a day job. 

The L.A Dosage: Aaaaaand on to the biggest fight we have all been waiting for. What are you most looking forward to and what can we expect?

Irshaad Sayed: I always get a bit nervous. . .  you can't not be nervous and you can't be too relaxed either. That's what keeps you on top of the game. There needs to be a fine balance. For me, it's another day at the office - it's my job. That's how I look at it. I am excitred to get in there and prove to myself first that I am the best in the Bantamweight division, and to those who have supported me like my teammates, coaches, friends, family and EFC fans. I don't just fight for myself but for everyone else who has been supporting me in the long run.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is The White Tiger. What a down to earth guy who is passionate about his craft. We wish him all the best in his Bantamweight title fight against the reigning champ, Demarte 'The Wolf' Pena on November 11 at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town. #EFC55

To know more about Irshaad and his journey you made do so on the following platforms:

Facebook: Irshaad Sayed

Twitter: @IrshaadSayed

Till next time.  .  .