“Celebrated with McDonald’s at the hotel”: MMA fighter Jan Quaeyhaegens tells the story of his impressive submission victory (Antwerp)

“I had a very good and comfortable feeling beforehand, I was ready. Then it still has to happen in the ring of course, but everything went according to plan. We expected Ntelis to start strong and that happened, I knew I had to tire him out.”

Quaeyhaegens consciously chose to take the fight to the ground. “I had from previous fights I saw from him that there were opportunities if I could get him on his back. Then I wanted to try to finish it with punches, but he is physically very strong and it was difficult to control, especially in the first round. Even in the second round he continued to try to get out of the grip. Many other fighters would tap out faster. But I felt he was getting tired.”

Ultimately, Quaeyhaegens got his Greek opponent in a neck lock, after which Ntelis threw in the towel. “No one can maintain that attitude for long. I congratulated him afterwards fight and said that he has a bright future, but he was not really happy with it. I understand that, after a defeat.”

The Antwerp native may have a reputation for mainly looking for the KO while standing, but that appears not to be entirely justified. “I’ve won more fights on the ground than upright, maybe I’m more likely to be one grappler”, laughs Quaeyhaegens. “The commentators were also surprised, but I know that I am a difficult opponent for everyone when I am on top.”

A convincing victory and another finish: the ambitious Quaeyhaegens has put himself back on the map among the lightweights. What’s next? Scot Chris Bungard, who was originally scheduled to fight the ‘Q-bomb’, now appears to be no longer an option after his defeat in Glasgow and lightweight champion George Hardwick is still out until the end of the year. “I have no idea yet of what will happen next. This year a ‘prizefighter’ tournament will be organised, a four-man tournament with possibly two fights in one evening where a lot of money can be earned. But there is no date for that yet. At least I’m ready to fight again this summer, I took almost no damage. Only my lip was open due to a grazed punch and he hit me well with a kick to the liver. But within a few days I no longer have any problems. I’ve even done strength training again.”

Our compatriot celebrated his victory rather modestly. Diving into the Scottish capital was not an option, because at 4 am the taxi was already ready to drive to the airport. “But I did order McDonald’s,” he reveals. “A real party will be for later.”