Discover the surprising truth about Stuart Austin, a professional fighter who admits he dislikes fighting despite his successful career.
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dislike for Fighting | Stuart Austin admits disliking the act of fighting despite being a professional. |
| Career Highlights | Competed in Bellator, PFL, and now Oktagon. |
| Mental Coping | Works with a psychologist to handle the stress of fighting. |
| Upcoming Fight | Facing Hatef Moeil for the heavyweight title at Oktagon 57. |
Stuart Austin, a seasoned fighter with a career spanning over 14 years, recently shared his candid thoughts on the sport he has been part of since he was a child. Despite his success and experience, Austin admits he dislikes the actual act of fighting, a sentiment not commonly expressed among professional fighters.
The Struggle Behind the Spotlight
Austin, who has competed in prestigious leagues like Bellator and the PFL, and now fights for Oktagon, describes fighting in front of thousands as a daunting experience. "Imagine having a job interview, but it’s in an arena with 10,000 spectators. It’s overwhelming," he explains.
This weekend, at Oktagon 57 in Frankfurt, Austin faces Hatef Moeil for the heavyweight title. The event will take place in the Festhalle Frankfurt arena, which can house 13,500 spectators, marking the largest audience Austin has ever faced.
Despite his achievements, including 18 wins in 26 professional fights, Austin confesses, "I love training and the art of martial arts, but stepping into the cage to fight is a dreadful experience for me."
The Reality of Professional Fighting
Austin’s perspective is rare in the fighting world, where athletes often highlight their passion and excitement for competition. He points to Nick Diaz, a former UFC star, as someone who shares his feelings. Diaz has openly discussed his reluctance towards fighting despite his success.
"It’s not about fear of getting hurt; it’s about the stress and how your body reacts as if you’re fighting for your life," Austin adds. He believes that as he has gotten older, his enjoyment for competitive fighting has diminished, even though he continues to excel.
Coping with Dislike
| Fight | Result |
|---|---|
| Against Tom Aspinall, 2015 | Victory |
| Last three fights | Three consecutive wins |
Austin’s recent strategy involves a mental detachment from the sport, which he says helps him make smarter decisions in the ring. "The less I like it, the clearer my mind becomes," he states. This mental shift has been aided by working with his brother, a sports psychologist, who has helped him manage performance anxiety.
Looking Ahead
Despite his aversions, Austin is set to fight for the heavyweight title, a testament to his skill and dedication. He jokes about the irony of his situation, "Fighting for a world title in front of thousands is exactly what I look forward to," hinting at the complex emotions involved.
As Austin continues to compete, he embodies the contradiction of excelling in a field he does not enjoy, driven by a combination of talent and the practical benefits it brings. His story sheds light on the less discussed aspects of professional sports, where personal feelings and public expectations often collide.
