LH graduate Browne ready to step back into cage
Laurel Highlands graduate and Uniontown resident Nick Browne steps back inside the cage on Saturday when he meets John “The Machine” Gunther at Revelation Fight Organization’s Big Guns 25 at Fairhaven Hall in Mansfield, Ohio.
Browne and Gunther were scheduled to meet on Dec. 17 at the Teamsters Hall in Lawrenceville for Pinnacle FC 15, but an injury forced Browne out of action.
Browne, who goes by “Nyquil,” brings a 7-0 record into the fight against another undefeated fighter in Gunther (5-0). The pro bout is scheduled for three rounds in the 165-pound weight division and is the co-main event.
“We were going to fight and I was ready the first time, but I had to withdraw due to an injury,” Browne said. “I have been getting calls about people interested in setting me up with bigger fights, but I have had to deal with some injuries. I have had a year to get better, and it’s a blessing to have that one-year period to improve my game.”
Browne, who trains under Bill Bosley at the Uniontown Fight Club, has been working on his grappling and entered several jiu-jitsu tournaments to refine his skills. Gunther is known for being a strong wrestler and grappler, but Browne believes he will have an advantage in the stand-up.
“He is known of being more of a wrestler and grappler, which falls into my wheelhouse,” Browne said. “I am more decorated in the boxing aspect. I haven’t had too many boxing matches lately, but we have been picking it up in sparring, and if I had holes in my game, they have been fixed. It has been almost a year since I’ve been in the cage. I am going to keep the fight on my feet as long as possible unless I have no choice, or he gets a lucky shot on me. I will bring it to him.”
Browne is glad to be healthy again, but admits that a fighter is always dealing with aches and pains.
“We kind of go into the fight being mentally prepared 100 percent, but I don’t think there is a fighter in the world that doesn’t go into the fight aching. We try to be 100 percent in meal preparation, technique and cardio.”
Browne has fought many times in Ohio, but will not be the hometown favorite on Saturday, as Gunther grew up in the Mainsfield area.
“I have probably fought 10 or 11 times in Ohio, so it is kind of like my home away from home,” Browne said. “It brings a different atmosphere fighting the hometown guy and having everyone hate you and wanting to see you lose.”
The Uniontown Fight Club always has a strong following, but Browne knows the three-hour trip can be tough for his fans to make.
“We always have a good turnout to support, but with a three-hour trip, it is a little to sell that far away,” Browne said. “I know there will be a lot of tickets sold for Gunther since he is the hometown guy.”