The next British Association of Mixed Martial Arts event, BAMMA 6, took a big hit last month when MMA legend Phil Baroni was forced out of his scheduled fight against English fighter Matt Ewin.
But things turned around when it it was announced that fellow legend Ivan Salaverry would be taking his place.
It will be nearly three years since he last competed professionally, but Salaverry has been staying in shape since he retired following back-to-back UFC losses to Terry Martin and Rousimar Palhares. He has been working with other fighters in his own gym, located in Seattle, Wash.
“[My return] has been a slow process. I was rolling with guys who were 20, 25, and still doing it,” he explained in an interview with Bleacher Report. “My manager, Brett [Atchley], put it out there with BAMMA and worked things out and now here I am.”
“We’ve been talking about it for awhile. I always try to maintain a good camp, stay in shape, and be ready to take a fight, because you never know what’s going to happen.”
The timing may seem odd given how long he has been out of the sport, but the location of the event actually played a part in his return.
True to their name, BAMMA has grown to be a powerhouse in British MMA. BAMMA 6 will take place in London at historic Wembley Arena.
“I was always interested in fighting in Europe,” Salaverry admitted. “There’s so much growth in the sport in England, and I’ve never had a chance to fight in front of those fans before, so I think it’s a great opportunity for me.”
Despite having fought since all the way back in 1999, he has spent the majority of his career fighting in America, with only three fights in Japan and one in Canada.
The opportunity to fight in front of a new audience is something that interested him. His opponent at BAMMA 6, Matt Ewin, will be at home as he fights in front of his friends and family in England.
“From the videos that I’ve seen, he’s a strong fellow who has a good wrestling and grappling background,” Salaverry said of his foe.
“The Salaverry” has been consistently training since his retirement, but also conceded that he has changed his training over time.
“I think that a little rest and maintaining a good, smart regimen, has been good for me,” he explained. “I used to just use my strength, but now I work smarter, I’m better at certain things and I give my body rest. My techniques do the talking instead of brute strength.”
But even given Ewin’s expertise on the ground, Salaverry has not strayed far from his usual fight plan.
“All in all, I always train in a well-rounded way,” he added. “So I’ll be ready for whatever he throws at me.”
When Phil Baroni backed out of the fight and was replaced by Salaverry, the game plan changed for Matt Ewin. But the light trash-talking remained as the confident Brit told Full Mount that he planned to “Salaverry the Salaverry.”
“The Salaverry” is Ivan Salaverry’s nickname, but it is also the term used to describe a crucifix technique that he has used successfully many times in his career.
Though this kind of talk would get a reaction from most fighters, a veteran like Ivan Salaverry doesn’t let it get to him.
“Everybody’s got their different personalities. I don’t take anything personally,” he stated. “I don’t [talk trash] myself because, at the end of the day, we’re going to fight. I don’t need to say anything.”
Certainly a quick victory would be a nice welcome back to the sport for the legend, but surprisingly that’s not necessarily what he’s looking for.
“I want one of those epic fights that people remember,” he revealed. “I’m getting old and I want at least one more fight that people will look back at and say, ‘Remember when?’ “
Though he has not ruled out a possible return down the road to the UFC, Salaverry admits that some differences between himself and the company’s President, Dana White, could make it extremely difficult.
“I don’t want to close any doors. Nothing’s off the table. If the Dana and the UFC called me and wanted to work something out, I’d definitely look it over very closely,” he acknowledged.
“Fighting for them is a great honor, they’re the biggest show in town, or in the world for that matter, so turning something down from them wouldn’t really be a good move for me or for my fans. But I don’t expect Dana to come calling any time soon,” Salaverry laughed.
For now, the now 40-year-old Salaverry is content with where he is.
“At this point in my career, I’m just looking to take it one fight at a time,” he stated. “I’m not trying to say, ‘Hey, let’s do a 10-fight deal’ or something like that. It’s one fight at a time. I want to enjoy each fight and put forth my best effort for every fight that I have left in me.”
“Things with BAMMA have been great so far, and I think it’s a great place for me to be.”
Thanks to Nick Caron of the Bleacher Report!!!
The event takes place next Saturday at BAMMA 6 from Wembley Arena in London. Fans can stream the event live from BAMMA.tv.
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