Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Phuket has played host to the fighting world’s biggest names this month and Dean Amasinger is certainly no exception.
The 28 year-old British fighter established himself in the world of MMA as a Welterweight contestant on the ‘United States vs. United Kingdom’ season of the UFC’s reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. He lost his quarterfinal match with DaMarques Johnson, but the magnitude of that experience is not lost on Amasinger.
“That was an amazing opportunity,” he said. “That show really helped me to establish my career.”
Amasinger’s professional Mixed Martial Arts record currently stands at an impressive 9 wins—6 losses. Though he is yet to work out the specifics of his next fight, he plans to be on a card tentatively scheduled for late June in his native United Kingdom. He’ll be looking to regain some momentum after a questionable loss this past February.
“My last fight was quite controversial. I lost after I was kneed on the ground (an illegal blow). I should have been given the proper amount of time to recover from it, but I was too anxious to continue the fight,” he remembered disappointingly. “But my corner and I should have been smarter about it.”
Still dazed from the illegal knee, Amasinger lost the fight only seconds later.
“I deserve a rematch. I definitely want that rematch…”
Highly motivated from that loss, he put in some hard days of training here in Phuket. Although the focus of his camp was Muay Thai, he also participated in Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Phuket’s recent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seminar from American blackbelt—and grappling phenom—Jeff Glover.
“The seminar was brilliant. I’ve seen (Glover’s) videos and competitions, but it was interesting to be able to see how his mind works,” Amasinger said. “I took away quite a few things that I’ll be able to add to my game.”
But one of the highlights of this trip was the fact that he was able to bring his family along. While dad was putting in long hours of training, his wife and young daughter were enjoying Phuket’s beautiful beaches. But once the hard work was finished, the whole family found plenty of time to enjoy some of the many other pleasures the area has to offer.
Amasinger, who has now completed the last of his training at Tiger, heads to Australia to teach string of MMA classes based on his six years of professional fighting. However, despite his passion for teaching, the ‘Renegade’ was still reluctant to leave Tiger behind.
“Tiger is the best gym I’ve trained at. I love the atmosphere here,” he said. “I’d love to be able to make it out here two or three times a year.”
Well, Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Phuket is always proud to host him. Come back to see us soon, Dean and good luck getting that big 10th win!
