Luigi "The Green Plumber" Bates

Fighter profile of Tomislav Kralj by Adam Leigh

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Luigi Bates is so far undefeated in his pro MMA career. The 178cm 177lbs welterweight spoke to me recently in an exclusive interview. With two appearances under his belt for New York’s World Combat Championship, Bates admits he’s happy with his winning start yet says it hasn’t been easy.

“It's been a solid start but not an easy start. Both fights have been against tough guys and I am delighted to have my hand raised at the end of both of them. I wanted to put a show on for the fans of WC and get a finish in both but as I said they were good opponents, still I am glad I showcased my stand-up and ground game a bit in both of them.”

The Italian had his hand raised over Cian Cartwright in his debut and more recently Daniel Mosby. Before “The Green Plumber” turned his attention to mixed martial arts, he worked as a plumber with his brother, Mario. They used the business as a way to fund their dream of becoming MMA superstars.

“Mario and I are twins. Yes all brothers fight a lot, growing up we fought a lot, not only with each other but plenty of others. Then again our father made it that way, he was in the Italian Mafia and brought us up like that. We saw a lot of fucked up shit and decided we would put our fighting ability to a better cause.”

“As for the green plumber nickname... Well, my brother Mario (the Red Plumber) and I used to be plumbers and I was always dressed in green and he was always in red. There isn’t much to it.”

With a 2-0 record under his ex-plumbers belt with World Combat Championship, the Roman born all-rounder current sits at #7 in the WCC welterweight rankings but has every intention of moving himself closer to a position in which he can contend for the gold.

“I didn't realise I was number 7 in the rankings for my weight class until you mentioned it... It's ok but expect to see me a lot closer to the top soon.”

When questioned about his choice in starting his career with New York’s #3 ranked fighting promotion, he spent time sharing his respect for the organization and ambition to fight with solid competition.

“I chose WC because it had a lot of depth in the division and decent competition, I dont want to go to some small org where I beat a bunch of cans. To be the best you gotta beat the best. WC is a solid org in good hands and a bright future.”

Bates, 21, has a long future ahead of him. There’s a lot of opportunity for a fighter of his talent at his age, and a lot of time to train and potentially become one of the best.

”I’m still young and have a long road ahead of me. My ambitions are probably very similar to most fighters out there. Earn a title shot, win the title, keep the title. Test myself. Reach my full potential. Be the Best.”

Tony Bullard, a dual title holder with a record of 19-2, is who Luigi would need to beat to be the best of WCC in his division. It’s a tall order for anyone, yet Bates feels Tony may be a little overvalued and whether at the end of his own hands or another’s, the champ’s time is coming to an end.  

“Tony Bullard has some amazing power I won't deny it. 19 wins 19 KOs, it’s a little hard to talk down to that. BUT his time is coming to an end. I don't believe he has faced nearly the best in his division and his top 100 p4p ranking is nonsense. The clock is ticking for Tony Bullard, and if it isn't me to dethrone him it'll be someone else really soon.”

Bates is managed by Rory Daly whom he attributes to his success. Training out of London with Daly and the members of R.A.D's Lads gym, he also has the backing of The Cage Cartel and speaks highly of his physical attributes and all-round MMA ability.

“My strongest attributes would probably be my speed, my cardio, my well roundedness and the ability to control the fight wherever it goes. As for my weaknesses it’s hard to tell at this stage, obviously I have plenty of learning and improving to do and many more fights to come so I guess we will eventually find out.”

Luigi Bates is one to watch moving forward. He’s recognized so far for his good takedowns, solid boxing and the lightning speed he uses to out-manoeuvre his opponents and already has a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Although the judges have had their input so far in both his fights, his intentions are clear going in.

“To all the WC fans, I know my fights haven’t been super exciting but I put all I've got into each fight and try to finish every time. Keep an eye out for me and watch my road to glory.” Bates said. “WC welterweight division... Watch out because the Green Plumber is coming to flush you all away!”

Even if Luigi doesn’t live up to his own ambitions, one things for sure, MMA gives opportunities for people of all backgrounds (legit or not so much) to put their energy into something more productive. And sometimes, dreams do come true.

Luigi “The Green Plumber” Bates currently has a fight under offer, so the 170 lbs division and New York’s fight fans won’t have long to wait before seeing this up-and-comer in action in the WCC cage again.

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