Liverpool MMA fighter, Dean Garnett, scores explosive KO in Paris, France
After several years away from the cage, the 34-year-old bounced back in devastating fashion at Hexagone MMA 6
Last updated 2nd Feb 2023
Liverpudlian martial artist, Dean Garnett, proved he's still got a lot left in the tank after scoring a 30-second knockout at the Zenith Arena in Paris, France.
Having not competed since 2017, fans feared the bantamweight would show signs of rust. But in fact, the reality was quite the opposite. During his time off, Garnett continued to evolve his game in the gym, knowing one day he would set foot in the cage again.
His road back to competition hasn't been an easy one. A broken jaw and a global pandemic kept him out of action for far longer than he'd have liked. However, rather than succumbing to demoralisation, he utilised the frustration to add fuel to his brightly burning fire.
Thus, when he arrived in the French capital, his mind was fully focused on dispatching his opponent as quickly as possible. However, the British pioneer knew, at least on paper, he had a tough task ahead.
Garnett walked to the cage to a chorus of boos from the partisan crowd, who were all there to cheer on their hometown hero, Miguel Haro. But the atmosphere did nothing other than motivate the away fighter. He landed a stunning right hand, which he followed up with lethal ground and pound to announce that he was officially back in business.
Evaluating his performance, he said: "I would’ve liked a little more cage time. But I’m not going to complain about a nice easy finish. I don’t think I ate a clean shot, I came out unscathed, and I’m already back in the gym working on the next project.”
In his post-fight interview, the Brit called for a shot at Hexagone's championship belt, and according to president, Jerome Pourrut, there's a good chance he'll get that opportunity.
He told Radio City: "I think Dean Garnett deserves the next title shot. What a comeback. Only thirty seconds. We are happy to have him. I think he's more than ready. He's hungry, so we'll see him in the very near future; he's already asked me for a fight.
"Dean can be the British face for Hexagone MMA. We'll see. Maybe we'll have some surprises in the near future. We love England; we have history together."
Unsurprisingly, Garnett is determined to get his hands on the strap. And with Hexagone MMA 7 taking place at the Futoroscope Arena in Poitiers, France, in just six weeks, he's hoping that his opportunity will come sooner rather than later.
He beamed: "It’s what I’m pushing for. If it doesn’t happen, that’s ok; I’m sure they’ll give it me at the next event. But I would happily fight three more times this year. I want to have my most active year to date.”
After such a remarkable journey, he believes that wrapping the belt around his waist would add the finishing touches to his already astounding legacy.
He said: “It’d be a massive achievement, the biggest of my career. That’s exactly where my mind is fixated. I got back from Paris, and I’ve been in the gym ever since. We’re already preparing to take this belt.”