Jimi “The Poster Boy” Manuwa sits atop the domestic light-heavyweight scene at the moment, with a perfect 9-0 record and the Ultimate Challenge 205lbs belt around his waist. Being the number-one leaves you more open to discussion, however, as Manuwa is quickly finding out.

“I'm in a position where people want to be,” he told Your MMA earlier today. “It is bound to happen when you are at the top and have the belt - but it comes with the territory so I'm not that fussed.”

The online networking world of Twitter was ablaze with comments yesterday after an upstart named Nick Chapman went 2-0 this past weekend in “The Poster Boy’s” back yard, and admitted that the belt is something he has his eyes on. Rather than take immediate offence at others eyeing up his gold, laid-back Manuwa sees a bit of his own passion in “The Headhunter”, although that doesn’t necessarily mean he’d go about his business in the same manner.

“I have no problem with Nick Chapman. I think he is a great guy. He introduced himself to me at Jake Bostwick's party and was very polite and respectful. I can see his hunger and like his enthusiasm. I was in the same situation just two years ago, but people are different in the way they go about things.

“I'm very quiet and let my fighting do the talking. Other people like to promote themselves and make noise but hey, there's no sweat.”

Jimi continued, “Respect to Nick Chapman as well. I wish him all the best in his career.” That doesn’t mean he thinks anybody has the chance of prising the UCMMA belt from his hands though. “I know I can't be beaten and no matter who it is, I will crush them.”

His record reflects his confidence at this moment in time. Manuwa’s nine wins have all come inside the distance, with eight knockouts and one submission on his resume. He faced his biggest test to date in the shape of Valentino Petrescu in his last outing and, whilst many thought Manuwa may have met his match, the Londoner punched his way to victory in the first round.

Petrescu was ranked in the UK’s top three at the time and was also undefeated, holding wins over Przemsyslaw Mysiala, Arunas Andriuskevicus and Pierre Guillet. Most came by way of knockout, and the battle between the heavy-hitters was waged in the cage at UCMMA: Invincible. Manuwa proved to be the untouchable one that evening, but he never expected anything else:

“Valentino is a great fighter and I think my win over him shocked a lot of people but I knew deep down that I would win. I thought it would be harder, but I knew I would win.”

There aren’t a great deal of other challenges left in the UK, but names such as Mysiala, Edwards and Vassell have been put forward.

“All of those guys are good guys,” Manuwa mused. “There's another interesting fight at the next UCMMA show in October so we will see. But personally, I will destroy every one of those people. I'm getting better everyday and have the skills and heart to compete with the top guys in the world.

“Me and my team are talking to a lot of people about where to go from here. There are a lot of offers on the table so we are contemplating where to go and I have a few projects I'm working on myself - so time will tell.”

Manuwa isn’t looking relinquish his belt or his undefeated record any time soon. Did he have something to say to all comers that think they can step up to the plate? Of course he did.

“Everyone wants to be the champ but, as I keep saying, I am the Alpha Male and I eat first - and I'll let you know when I've finished.”
 

Jimi wants to thank his team, Zara at Halo PR, his manager Wad and his family and fans for all their support.

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