I remember watching the build up to the fight between Craig Coakley and Nathan Bendon. Both are at the highest level of UK Muay Thai so the idea of one of them two getting the £100000 contract from One Championship was so exciting. For so many levels.
The first being that some quality UK fighters getting a life changing opportunity. Deeper then that all the Muay Thai fighters coming up must feel super motivated that if they reached the top if the sport there is a payout that could potentially make it all worthwhile.
I personally felt that both of them should get an opportunity to fight on One Championship. I have to be honest, I was surprised to see Nathan Bendon get a fight before Craig Coakley.
Nathan will absolutely smash it on One Championship. I have no doubt, the guy is exciting to watch and works like a machine. He belongs there.
The question I will chuck out to my LeapFrog family is that why hasn't Craig got an announcement yet? Where is his fight and where is his money??
I hope the issue is just a scheduling issue and he will get matched really soon but I have heard some horror stories about UK fighters waiting and waiting and not getting matched until the ring rust starts settling in.
So come on One Championship, Craig Coakley worked so hard over a whole year to get that contract, get him a fight, there will be no shortage of fighters wanting to get on One Championship so hard can it be to match him.
To those reading, let me know your thoughts??
Picture from MTGP