Ring of Combat 55: Sidney Outlaw

Former Bellator MMA fighter Sidney Outlaw steps into the Ring of Combat cage this weekend to fight Bellmore Kickboxing MMA representative Gregor Gillespie. Outlaw trains out of New Jersey based gym Dante Rivera Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Renzo Gracie Academy in  New York City. After a win in Bellator he decided to fight for other MMA promotions to increase his chances of making it to the UFC, given the well-known tension between Bellator and the UFC.

The fight with Gillespie originally was scheduled to happen nearly two years ago in January. The only difference between this fight and the one that fell through, is that now there is a title on the line, and more is at stake for the careers of both fighters. Outlaw is looking to establish a dominant run in MMA, and Gillespe looks to build on the momentum of his current winning streak.
Outlaw is more than prepared for his first professional title bout. With the support of his team behind him, Outlaw told New York Fighting, “It should not be any different than any other fight. I know what it’s like to fight; dieting and training.” He is not rattled by Gillespie’s accolades and is looking to win just like any of his other fights.
Outlaw’s last fight (against Elijah Harshbarger) ended with his arm being dislocated, but that did not derail his training. He was back in the gym just one week later, arriving with the hunger that led to this title bout. Outlaw has focused intensely on his training, rather than on recovering from an injury.

Asked how he felt about Gillespe, Outlaw expressed nothing but respect. “I’m just going out there to have fun. This is going to be an exciting fight.” As far as how he expects the fight to unfold, he said “I think he’s going to shoot, I’m going to shoot, he’s a good wrestler, I feel like I’m a good wrestler. I think he’s amazing but if he shoots it will not stay on the ground, why would it stay on the ground? You get what I’m saying?”

On June 3rd fight fans can look forward to Outlaw attempting to derail the Gregor Gillespie hype, while Gillespe plans to bring his gold back to Long Island. Sidney Outlaw especially wants to thank those who have supported him through this camp and fight career: Dante Rivera BJJ, New Brunswick BJJ, Renzo Gracie Academy NYC, Bulldog Strength and Conditioning, and most of all his lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Sidney fights this Friday at the Tropicana in Atlantic City

Writer: James Moise

Editor: Kyle Antonelli