Jimi Manuwa Says Darren Till Can Be A Champion, But Offers A Word Of Warning
Jimi Manuwa knows better than anyone that MMA fans can be fickle and he’s got a word of warning for his fellow British fighter, Darren Till.
Manuwa and Till were recently together for a UFC 3 promotional day and spent the day together in London. Speaking with MMANytt.com earlier this week, Manuwa gave his thoughts on the fast rising Liverpudlian and said he believes he can reach the top of the mountain at 170-pounds.
“Listen, I like Darren Till a lot,” Manuwa said. “I noticed this kid way before he blew up. I’ve spoken to him a couple of times and I remember I spoke to him in Sweden when Alex was fighting one time and I rated him.”
“It’s great to see he’s getting blown up and everything.
Manuwa knows how quickly fans’ attitudes can change and despite having been defeated only three times in his career, the Londoner has received no shortage of people telling him he can’t cut it as the highest level. Given his own experiences, Manuwa sent a word of caution in the direction of Till and warned him about what he can expect on the day that he does falter for the first time.
“What I don’t want is for him, look, I just want to wish him the best of luck and everything. I know this MMA game is ruthless and they’re building him up so big and all it takes is one little setback. Take Francis Ngannou for instance, it’s the perfect example. Everyone was building him up so much as the next big thing and the UFC were working overtime, but he lost the other day. The change in people’s attitudes is so shallow, it just makes me sick.
“They build you up to bring you down. I know myself. I knocked out OSP and Anderson and everyone jumped on the bandwagon. I have one loss and then the same people are saying I’m s*** and that I’ve got a glass chin. I just know what it’s like and I wish him all the best. I hope he goes all the way to the top because he’s nice kid and I believe he can be a champion. I’d say to him though, this game is ruthless, so just be wary of what will happen if you do suffer a loss.”
UFC London tickets go on sale tomorrow to UFC Fight Club members and then on general sale on Friday. At the point in time, Manuwa looks set to headline the show for the second time running when he rematches former opponent, Jan Blachowicz.
