THUNDER BAY – Sports – Local Mixed Martial Arts fighter Mike ‘Caveman Bully’ O’Neill fought and defeated a tough opponent this past weekend. On Friday Oct 5th O’Neil defeated heavy favourite and very highly accomplished kick boxer and Pro MMA record of 3-1 is now 3-2. Caveman Bully took on Agostino DeNatale. NeNatale was a highly accomplished kick boxer and Muay thai fighter and younger brother to Guiseppe DeNatale a K-1 kick boxer himself. Agostino was also a training partner with UFC vet Joe Dirkseon. Agostino DeNatale is the Assistant Instructor of the Canadian Fitness/Fighting Center.
Agostino is well-versed in the arts of Kickboxing and Muay Thai and brings over 15 years of training experience into the cage. Our Thunder Bay based fighter took him down.
NetNewsledger caught up to Mike and share this interview:
NNL – What was your game plan going into this big fight?
O’Neill – I saw he had a lot of success in kick boxing and did pretty good in MMA also with all 3 of his wins being submission and he went 3 rounds with Jesse Gross a light weight Bellator fighter which is very impressive, so I wanted to take him down no doubt about that. Figured I’d take my chances with his ground game.
Luckily he had no answers for my wrestling, he wasn’t strong or fast enough to defend them. While on the ground though he had good defences and a good base, he escaped my armbar attempt which was in good, but he was able to get out it.
He was able to get back to his feet two more times before I took him down again and again then got his back and tapped him out.
NNL – You had mentioned to me beforehand about him grabbing the fence to avoid a big slam?
O’Neill – YES! He did! What a p#%& off that was, I had him in the air ready to throw him to the ground as hard as I could but was too close to the fence and he grabbed the fence on me. Can’t say I blame him, he was up pretty high (as he smiles telling me this).
NNL – What are your future plans for your MMA career?
O’Neill- Well I’m negotiating to fight in Calgary again in December. Hoping to get confirmation for that in the next week of so. Would love to finish this year 4-2 as a pro then enjoy my Christmas holidays.
If I could also take a few seconds to thank a few people who have been a huge help for me in my MMA goals, first my wife Kaylyn for her support, my children for inspiration and giving me purpose to excel in MMA.
Also my parents and sister. They have helped me and my wife out so much with watching our children for us while we work or train. As there are so many demands on me while training. To Crossfit 807 (Scot Dawson) have got me in the best possible shape I can be for my fights. If you want to reach your best possible you? check em out!
NNL – Thanks for the time Mike and wish you all the best in future fights.
O’Neill – Thanks appreciate the time
