Liverpool MMA fighter, Dean Garnett returns in Paris, France, at Hexagone MMA 6
The 34-year-old is ready to embark on his run towards the organisation's championship belt
Last updated 21st Jan 2023
On Sunday night, Dean Garnett will make his eagerly-anticipated comeback at Hexagone MMA 6 in the Zenith Arena in Paris, France.
With natural fighting instincts and the athleticism to match, the Liverpudlian has solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting athletes in the UK. And in front of 6800 screaming spectators, he'll make his return to the cage, in the hope that a win will secure him a shot at the promotion's championship belt.
After serving his apprenticeship, Garnett produced sensational showings in Cage Warriors and ACB, leading people to believe he had the potential to make it to the pinnacle of the sport. However, a chain of events including a broken jaw sustained on fight week prior to a scheduled contest in Brave, left his career in state of flux.
But rather than focus on the negatives, the professional fighter has concentrated on giving back to the community. At his gym, Aspire MMA, he's started a post-16 programme which gives students the opportunity to work towards a B-Tech. Through this, he’s helped young people with various difficulties develop their skills and channel their ambitions in a positive direction.
Furthermore, he's guided the career of UFC superstar Mo Mokaev, whose incredible performances have put him in prime position to become the youngest champion in the organisation's history. And through his time training numerous high-level prospects, he believes his understanding of the game has reached new heights.
He claimed: “Being in that environment as a coach in the gym, you’re being a problem solver. There’s a big team at Aspire; there’s a lot of quality there, right down to the juniors. That definitely evolves your understanding of the sport and your tactical awareness. But we’ll find out Sunday if that’s the truth.”
Despite spending several years away from MMA, Garnett is jumping right back in the deep end, travelling to enemy territory to take on a hometown hero. But despite the task ahead of him, he's confident in securing the victory.
He said: “Miguel Haro's been around the scene for a long time like I have. Like me, he’s a lifelong martial artist. I’m expecting a good test, and that’s what I’m after, to be honest. He’s well-rounded as well, but I do expect to get him done.
“You’re going to see the same old aggressive Dean Garnett. I’m going to be looking to finish him on the feet. I’ll see what his wrestling is like, what his ground game is like. I’ll get him out of there as soon as I can, to be honest.”
While the seasoned veteran is far too cerebral to overlook his opponent, he’s undeniably got one eye on the Hexagone MMA world title.
The fighter confessed: “I’ve got a two-fight deal with those guys; they seem like a good promotion to be with right now. They’re ambitious. DAZN is streaming the fight, so get this one out of the way, and I’ll look towards a five-round fight for the title.”
It goes without saying that the bantamweight's comeback has generated huge hype within the Liverpool martial arts community. But he's not the city's only representative on the card.
Former three-time Cage Warriors King, Chris Fishgold, is making his first walk to the cage since his departure from the UFC. And Garnett is confident that his friend will return to winning ways.
The ex-Bellator star told Radio City: "He's such a skilled fighter, he's got so much experience, he's a multi-time Cage Warriors champion. So, I think his opponent will have to watch his neck and his legs or watch out for the big overhand right, because he'll definitely come aggressive, I'll tell you that."
And when asked about a potential bill in Liverpool co-headlined by himself and Fishgold, with a sparkle in his eye, he responded: “Who knows? That would be very interesting.”
While on paper, Garnett doesn't need to compete anymore, his desire for one last run at a world championship remains at the forefront of his mind. But at this stage of his career, he knows this is the final roll of the dice.
He concluded: "I want to thank all my coaches at the gym, I just can't wait to get this show on the road. I'm interested to see how I get on. It's been five years, I've been on the mat, I've been learning with great guys everyday, but I'm 34. I've had a great camp, I'm in good shape. But how is it going to transfer?
"I think it's going to transfer amazingly, and I'm going to have a great performance, but let's see."
You can watch the fight on Sunday night via BT Sport and DAZN.