Fred Sikking is a man on a mission this Sunday. The Dutchman wants to redeem himself by beating previous foe Boy Boy Martin on WFL: The Final 16 on his way to the quarter finals of the 16-men tournament.
Sikking lost to Martin in April 2015 on ‘The Best of all Elements’ in Almere, The Netherlands, the city that also plays host to the rematch. Martin got the nod by judge’s decision, but Sikking tells MMA Plus he felt robbed out of a win.
“I’ve fought him two years ago and I thought it was a win for me. Okay, things happen with the jury, which is why he got the win,” Sikking says. “For me, that doesn’t matter, because it’s now The Final 16 and I chose to fight him.
“I could have chosen some other fighters in the tournament, but I have some things to sort out with him. I’m very confident that I will succeed. If I fight like I did the last time, I will win for sure, but I think I’ll fight better this time. I want to be in the final 8, that’s the most important.”
Sikking has a special connection to Sunday’s main event between Melvin Manhoef and Remy Bonjasky. The Dutchman was one Bonjasky’s training partners in preperation for the fourth encounter with “No Mercy”, while Manhoef is his manager.
Although he doesn’t have a personal favorite, Sikking would put his money on “The Flying Gentleman”: “If the strategy of Remy is good, he will keep his distance and come with his power kicks, low kicks, middle kicks and his knee. He’s a lot taller than Melvin.
The only way Melvin can win is by coming very close and do his explosive attacks, which he has done before. Then he can surprise Remy. I sparred with Remy many times and every week I felt he was fitter and stronger. He’s still the same Remy with his high kicks. He high kicked me so many times in my head and so quickly (as well).
I believe in Remy’s strategy, but I don’t have a personal favorite. Melvin has been very good for me and Remy as well. I hope that the best man wins.”
