FFC 21 event features three title matches. One of the fighters who will fight on November 27 in Rijeka and defend his title is the Dutch MMA veteran Dion “The Soldier” Staring. In his first defense of the title FFC, this heavyweight will face Germany’s Andreas Kraniotakes.
Staring is an experienced veteran with extensive international experience and with more than 40 matches under his belt. He performed in a number of organizations including Strikeforce, where he faced the UFC champion Daniel Cormier. This Dutch fighter trained with well-known Blackzilians, and for this fight he prepared at the legendary Mikes Gym.
Staring came to the FFC in 2013, when he defeated Ante Delija. After that he defeated Tomaz Simonic at FFC 12 event in Slovenia. Exactly a year ago he also scored a victory over UFC veteran Ricco Rodriguez and thus won the title.
In a week he is to face Andreas Kraniotakes and champ takes his opponent very seriously.
How are things at Mikes Gym these days?
“Long but great, Mike is a great coach. Not only stand up but also wrestling and ground skills.”
How do you feel mentally going into this fight? Are you hyped up?
“I am feeling so much stronger every day. I train, rest, teach MMA and then train again.”
What do you make of Andreas Kraniotakes as an opponent?
“He is a strong fighter. He fought some big names. He is a good opponent so I take my training seriously.”
Do you feel he has enough credit to get the title shot in his first FFC appearance?
“Yes , I think he does.”
Are you brushing up on your wrestling defense and BJJ since Kraniotakes’ 7 out of last 8 wins came via submission?
“This is MMA and we have to train all skills of standing, wrestling and BJJ.”
How are you going to beat Kraniotakes? Any predictions?
“Stand-up, G&P or sub. Doesn’t matter how, but I will make a war and remain the FFC champ.”
Rodriguez gave up the match in which you won the title. Does it say more about him or about you as a fighter?
“No, I have a great respect for him. One moment I thought: “What is he doing?” but he came to me after the match and we talked about how and why.”
Another up-and-coming heavyweight fighter in Rijeka is Darko Stosic. He said he would challenge you without hesitation, if the opportunity presented itself. How do you feel about that matchup? Does the young fighter stand a chance against a seasoned veteran such as yourself?
“I haven’t paid attention to him or other fighters because I was focused on my next fight. But I already beat one young Croatian talent and I won’t hesitate to do it again.”
Igor Pokrajac is a light heavyweight but made his FFC debut as a heavyweight, and he said he would beat you easily. Would you like to fight the UFC veteran sometime in the future?
“I fight everybody. Just liek I did with Lil NOG and Cormier. Nobody at that time would fight those guys so why should I said no?”
Speaking of light heavyweight, would you consider dropping down a division and fight for the LHW belt, if you run out of contenders in the HW division?
“Don’t know yet, first things first.”
Did you get to see any of the fights from FFC 20?
“Yes, some fights. Especially Colin George, we train together at Mikes Gym.”
Colin George made an interesting turnaround in the 5th round, did you talk to him about the fight?
“Yes of course, I was happy he won.”
FFC is going to the U.S. next year. Do you plan on fighting there? Perhaps the Florida card, you could meet up with your old friends, the Blackzilians?
“I haven’t made any plans for 2016 but it is always nice to see some old friends. But my camp will be at Mikes Gym.”
Is this your last fight for this year?
“No, I hope not.”
Regarding your career, how would you evaluate this year so far?
“I was sad I lost in Japan, but everything else went well. I’m being busy and getting forward.”
Igor Micic, Fight Site