After an eventful start to 2020, Eddy George is staying on track during pandemic
Watch the interview with Eddy George above
A busy 2020 came to a halt for Eddy George.
The 28-year-old kicked off the new year with a 21-second TKO win in his professional debut in January and followed it up with the birth of his first child in February. George already anticipated taking time off before his second fight to be with his daughter.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit about a month later. He never thought his absence from the cage would it be this long.
“It’s been a challenge.” George said
“I got to enjoy fatherhood, especially my first child. Still at the same time, it’s very frustrating because I’m a guy that if I’m healthy, I want to be very active.”
George’s idea of a March or April return quickly vanished. He planned to fight up to six times before the summer of 2021, working toward getting a call up to Dana White’s Contender Series.
The Connecticut resident is just one bout into a six-fight contract with the CES promotion. He expected to have two to three professional bouts to his name by now.
Staying active is a part of his identity. George competed three times in his first year as an amateur. He competed three more times from October 2018 to April 2019.
George maintains some momentum as he is riding a five-fight win streak between his amateur and professional career.
“In my mind, I was like, ‘I’m going to fight six times this year, I’m going to crush it. ‘ Try to win the CES title, look for Contender Series right around the corner, so as far as my stepping stone goals, it’s frustrating because it put a halt on that,” George said. “I’m not losing focus, I’m not losing focus, I’m still grinding, still trying in shape.”
Fight ready
George continues to train in preparation for when his time to get back in the cage comes. The Fighting Arts Academy product is still in shape and is currently training.
He is still hopeful achieve his goal of getting on Dana White’s Contender Series during the summer of next year.
George is only one fight into his professional career, but he is anxious to return to action under the CES banner. Unfortunately for George, the CES is still out of service during the pandemic, with no date set for it’s return.
During a time of uncertainty, George is taking care of his end.
“I’m confident that I will be able to get my three, four, five fights, whatever I need to get in [to the UFC] by the time of summer next year,” George said. “I’ve leveled up during this quarantine time. I focused a lot on my cardio, a lot more solo stuff, a lot of road work, my cardio is on point.”
Who will be there?
The plan for George is when the CES comes back, so will he.
The promotion canceled CES 61 set for April 24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion’s last event is the same card where George made his debut, CES 60 on Jan. 24.
Eddy George is well aware he is one of many fighters who are ready to get back to competition. He is interested in seeing who answers the call when the CES does return.
He expects to be one who picks up the phone.
“It’s kind of like that New year’s resolution. December, everyone gets fat. January 1, everyone is, ‘Back in the gym. New Year, new me.’ Where they at at the end of the month? Where are they 90 days later?,” George said. “A lot of people are saying, ‘Oh this motivated me more than ever, I’m coming back,’ but let’s see where this people are three months from now. I’ve been in the gym, I haven’t left the gym. That’s why I feel like I’m in fight shape still.”
