Few could have predicted the breathtaking speed at which the once ridiculed sport of mixed martial arts would evolve. Gyms up and down the country now house the DNA of the new generation of British MMA superstars looking to take the next step forward.

Andy Ogle, at the tender age of 22, has already amassed a very impressive 8-1 record, but in a few weeks the dynamic youngster will defend his Supremacy FC European title against one of the most established and dangerous featherweights in the country.

Robbie Olivier, a multiple time featherweight champion across different organizations with an impressive ten year career, makes the trip up to Gateshead on February 26th to challenge for the title and in the process deliver the young champion his sternest test to date.

The Tsunami Gym stalwart spoke to YourMMA.tv as he prepares for yet another gruelling encounter.

YourMMA.tv: Robbie, thanks for the time. Andy Ogle is tipped as one of the hottest prospects in the UK at the
minute. Do you think your experience will be a key factor in this bout?

RO: Of course. You can’t buy experience and I have been in there with some of the toughest fighters about. There is no point having experience if you don't learn from it and that¹s what I always try and do. If you have quality experience and learn from it you will always be the better fighter. This is a good fight, against a good opponent, on a good date, on a quality up and coming show.

YourMMA.tv: How are preparations going at the minute?

RO: They are going well thanks; I have a great group of people that help me prepare for every match up. I have spent time at Shooters MMA HQ in Sweden and also had quality training back at Tsunami Gym in Cambridge with Joachim Hansen, so all is good so far!

YourMMA.tv: What changes in your training have you made to prepare for this fight?

RO: I have tightened up my striking and tried to push the pace in training as he is young and fit! I think we are both really well rounded fighters. I have worked a lot on my striking so I think this fight could take place in any range.

YourMMA.tv: How do you see this one finishing?

RO: Probably a submission win for me! If not a loss by dodgy decision [laughs]! No, honestly, I don't really like giving predictions; it's MMA and anything can happen. My only prediction is another W on my record.

YourMMA.tv: 2011 saw you capture the vacant WFC featherweight title against Antanas Jazbutis; what is your plan to build on that for the year ahead?

RO: I want to have a really active year, but it’s tough for me to get good fights without going over old ground, so after Andy we will have to see what’s about. There’s nothing specific here in the UK at the minute. I will take what my team thinks is best.

YourMMA.tv: How hungry has seeing John Maguire fight and win in the UFC made you want to amass the necessary wins to get there yourself?

RO: It was quite inspiring actually, and it did make a lot of us realise that it’s not too far out of our reach, especially when you see other guys you have beaten getting their chance. I think it would be a shame for someone with my experience in the sport not getting a shot, but having said that I do feel like I have achieved a lot as a fighter and coach.

YourMMA.tv: The best of luck, and is there anyone you'd like to thank?

RO: Yeah, loads! My family for putting up with me, August Wallen from Shooters MMA for giving me a concept to work to, everyone at Tsunami/Pro-Am Fight Centre for the great training and Nigel and Debs for all the thankless tasks they do.

Joachim Hansen for some great sparring, QNT sports Nutrition for their continued support for all the Tsunami Pros, Supremacy and Andy Ogle for making the fight happen.

Also I must not forget Cage Warriors for being so understanding. There’s probably more but that will do for now.

Please follow me on Twitter @RobbieTheFlame, I'm fed up with having the lowest followers in the gym!

Olivier vs. Ogle is a textbook clash of youth against experience in a fight that could well catapult the winner straight into the radar of the bigger shows.

Ogle may have been just twelve years old when Olivier made his mma debut but he’ll no doubt be looking to make his mark and take out the decorated veteran.

The Flame, on the other hand, will be looking to prove that the torch isn’t ready to be passed just yet.

Follow @BenCartlidgeMMA on Twitter, and get on board with @YourMMA while you're there.

Andy Ogle blogged regarding the bout for YourMMA.tv.

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