Divock Origi: On The Attack

Fighter profile of Divock Origi by David Morrison

The United States Fighting Championship reports that it has signed light heavyweight sensation Divock "Belgian Beast" Origi to a three fight deal that stretches into April of 2015! Origi is most widely known for his accomplishments as a footballer having played for Lille since 2010 and representing the Belgium national squad at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels. On 29 July 2014, Premier League club Liverpool announced that they had completed a 10 million transfer for Origi, who signed a five-year contract but was immediately loaned back to Lille for the 2014-15 season. Just before agreeing to the blockbuster deal with Liverpool, Origi began training mixed-martial arts at The Sweat Lodge in New York and has created a media frenzy after compiling an 8-0 start, five by way of knockout. Handing a total of five opponents their only career losses, Origi has shown strong wrestling while using his surprising upper body strength to break his opponents down in the clinch. After winning four straight in the respected and competitive NYFN organisation, Origi and his manager, Bjorn O'Donnel, decided to explore their options in other organisations as a championship run looked inevitable. Within minutes of release from NYFN, Origi received multiple offers comparable to Liverpool's bid to secure his services. In a move that came as a surprise to all, Origi signed with the USFC, New York's newest and fastest growing organisation, turning down a considerable amount of money by larger fight orgs in order to receive an early 2015 title shot against the winner of Javier Martinez v Little Guy, who will fight for the belt at USFC 5 on Christmas. The signing has made USFC's 205lb division one of the most competitive among Tycoon's new orgs, with a series of potential mega-fights among the division's elite. With the news just breaking, a whirlwind of questions has surfaced as Origi awaits the biggest fight of his life. USFC president David Morrison had an opportunity to sit down with the Belgian Beast a midst the media buzz and get a rare interview with the dual-sport superstar:

Morrison: "Divock, first of all, welcome to the USFC! It has been quite a day and it still hasn't fully sunk in that you have signed! Reports are that you turned down some handsome offers to come here, and I guess it's time to break the news to the other orgs that you refused to accept a signing bonus from us, stating that you have money, it's championships that you now pursue. Looking ahead to challenging for the title in January, do you have a preference of who you would like to face as Martinez and Guy square off for USFC's first light heavyweight title?"

Origi: "First of all, I'm happy to get to fight in your org man. Since I already get a lot of money from my Liverpool deal, I have no problem at helping a new org growing by accepting less money. I just look forward to all challenges and I'm looking to become a legend both in the cage and on the field. I don't really care who wins the belt. All I do care about is that I get the next shot and get my hand raised. In all honesty, I think Martinez will get the job done in his fight against Little Guy."
Morrison: "The winner of Elsner and Maxwell was thought to be in line for the next title shot, but as talks with Elsner have stalled and with today's surprise signing, you have skipped over the division's elite. Do you have anything to say to those who claim you are still unproven and should have to fight your way into a shot as Martinez and Guy did?"

Origi: "I think I for sure have proven myself already at a young age, and I believe there is no other possible number one contender. I'm going to train my butt off, and if one of the two guys fighting for the belt gets injured, I'm willing to step up on extremely short notice."

Morrison: "While some are saying that you're not ready, there are others, myself included, that are surprised you are ranked behind Martinez, despite an 8-0 start. Do you feel underestimated in the rankings despite having the best record in the USFC?"

Origi: "Rankings don't tell the whole story. I'm not going to take anything away from Martinez, as he is a great young fighter, but he is not on the same level as me. There are not a lot of guys out there that can deal with what I bring to the table!"

Morrison: "In a recent interview with Fox Sports Live, you stated that you have a dream of playing in a Premier League Championship and defending a championship belt... in the same day! I have also heard that you have been in the gym sparring just hours after a match. How do you manage to balance life as a dual-sport superstar at such an elite level in each?"

Origi: "Well, since the current Liverpool strikers have been getting injuries all season, I have been believed to fly back to England in January already. I wouldn't say no ... It's a huge achievement to be signed by such a legendary club at such a young age. I train 4 times a day, 2 of those trainings are MMA related. I know some guys might be better skilled , but when they get in the cage with me, their legs start to shake and they are out of the fight before it even begins."

Morrison: Your cardio is obviously not in question, and your strength has become evident through your early fights. Can you tell us a little about your training regimen at The Sweat Lodge?"

Origi: "I have been working on some new stuff to take my training to the next level. My cardio and strength are already on a high level, but some other skills and physicals will soon get their, also. If you train daily with such great sparring partners and superstars, it's only logical that you become better and better."

Morrison: "It seems that you have fans wherever you go. As the first player of Kenyan origin to score at a FIFA World Cup finals you have all of Africa watching your fights. As the youngest goalscorer in Belgian World Cup history you have all of Belgium behind you. You have become a legend in France since signing with Lille, and with the Liverpool signing, you have secured the support of thousands of British fight fans. Now, after your impressive run with NYFN, it seems as if all of New York is behind you, as well. That's quite a fan base, especially for a young fighter. Do you ever feel the pressure of living up to all of the hype surrounding you or fear letting down a worldwide fan base, either on the field or in the cage?"

Origi: "Not really, to be honest. I'm a very down to earth guy and I don't get nervous at all. My comfort zone is when most people get nervous and shit their pants."
Morrison: "Back in June, a baby dolphin at the Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges, Belgium was baptised "Origi" in your honor after having scored the winning goal against Russia during the group stage match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Can you tell me what it was like to score such a monumental goal on the world stage and receive such an honor from your home country?"

Origi: "Scoring that goal against Russia was a very nice feeling. I knew I was able to make a mark on the game, and soon was able to get the ball past the goalkeeper. I'm sure that with the help of my teammates and the great coach, Mark Wilmots, many goals will follow. The dolphin being named after me is now also being sponsored by me. I often visit him with my little niece."

Morrison: "Would you say that it has given you life more porpoise? Seriously, what I've been dying to ask you since watching your first fight... what is with that wicked clinch game? We all knew you would have good leg strength because of your football background, but it has been your upper body strength that has surprised so many, especially your opponents. You seem to have been gifted with natural wrestling and Muay Thai abilities. Is this accurate, or is your style and skill the product of your coaching?"

Origi: "Since I'm an attacker, I need to have a lot of body strength to keep the defenders off of me, but also to hold them to create chances for other players. That's how I became a strong young guy. My nickname also states that. I'm a beast that is ready to go at it at any time!"

Morrison: "I know that you're a busy man today, Divock, and I see Ariel Helwani over there waiting to ask for an interview. Hey, Helwani! I told ya' we'd get him! Helwani was sure you were headed to one of the older orgs. Quite honestly, we all thought so. It certainly has put the spotlight on the USFC light heavyweights. Any final thoughts for the rest of the division and fans reading worldwide?"

Origi: "I hope the rest of the division is training a lot, since they are now faced with a huge problem. I'm going to destroy anyone that signs the contract to fight me. I'm looking to clean out the whole division and make myself a Hall of Famer! I want to thank my fans for supporting me and they can visit me this weekend at Lille where I'll be handing out signed pictures. Since I'm still single, all the hot girls are for sure invited to come to the signing session!... Oh yeah, and before I forget: I want everybody to know that I want to be the people's champ. I'm putting my life on the line for my fans, and I want to give them a great showing each time I step into the Octagon!"

Morrison: "Spoken like a champion... you're a class act. I can't wait for the New Year to see you in the cage. I know you have four matches with Lille this month... will you be at the fights on Christmas to see who you'll face in the cage next?"

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