Cage Warriors has never had a shit MC. Actually, that's a lie. There was one night, in a sold-out Echo Arena in Liverpool, when Cage Warriors had a really shit MC. Not just shit in the sense of having a bad night; shit in the sense of someone realising - in real time - that they were fundamentally ill-equipped to stand in front of a capacity crowd and whip them into a frenzy ahead of some organised violence. Turns out it is actually a lot harder than it looks. Who knew?
I'm not normally one to criticise my peers, but I'm happy to make this particular scathing judgement because that particular shit MC was me.
Them, after the first fight: "Can you be a bit more enthusiastic?"
Me: "No"
I've done a lot in MMA. I've commentated, presented, written, spoken, judged, been a matchmaker, marketer, PR. I'm qualified to do precisely none of those things, but enthusiasm, luck and blind faith has always carried me though. MC'ing though, was an entirely different animal. I found it genuinely terrifying, and incredibly difficult.
I only had to do a handful of non-broadcast preliminary fights. Probably the easiest gig in the world. Yet I still came out of it a dithering wreck, resolving never to embarrass myself like that again. Some kid tried to high-five me; I ducked it and ran into the back.
But here's the thing(s) in my defence: The only two Cage Warriors MCs I'd worked with to that point were Andy Friedlander and Joe Fucking Martinez. Andy was a staple of mainstream UK sport and Joe was - and still is - the best MC working in combat sports, and I do mean the fucking best.
All I had to do that night in the Echo was welcome a handful of amateur fighters to the cage before the main show had even started, but I was crippled by the weight of expectation. How the fuck could I, or anyone else for that matter, pick up a mic held the likes of Joe Martinez?
I remember feeling extremely sorry for whoever would have to fill those shoes on a more permanent basis. They'd need to have been a globally renowned professional or a newcomer with an ego the size of Planet Earth to step into such a prestigious role and be successful.
Me: "So who have we got?"
Them: "Some Welsh kid. He's done Shakey's show..."
I'd be lying if my first reaction wasn't something along the lines of "What the actual fuck?"
This is Cage Warriors, Europe's Leading MMA Organisation, not some avenue for nepotism.
I remember thinking to myself, "Yeah, he's decent" as the evening progressed and Mister Hywel Chaplin settled in to his role. But there are plenty of decent MCs out there, no big deal.
Then we got to the main event, and suddenly it all made sense.
"LET'S THROOOOOOOW SOME LEAAAAAAAAAATHER!"
Oh man, what a game changer. I remember a silly grin ripping its way across my face and knowing instantly that this was the guy.
When you've been doing this for as long as I have you develop a certain numbness to the excitement you once felt. In the words of Cypress Hill on their legendary track 'Rock Superstar'; "It's a fun job, but its still a job".
That night though, the hairs of the back of my neck stood up. And not just that night, every fucking night since. Wales, Scotland, London, Manchester, Italy. Wherever. No matter how tired, how disillusioned, how spent I've ever felt, hearing...
"LET'S THROOOOOOOW SOME LEAAAAAAAAAATHER!"
...has lifted me up and brought out the best in me. It's sent the adrenaline surging through my veins, made me remember why I fucking love this game.
I simply wouldn't be the commentator I am without Hywel tee'ing me up for the biggest of big moments. This mad little gig is a team effort and in my humble opinion, Hywel and I - alongside Redser, Dan Strauss, Dan Hardy, Mason Jones and others have provided some of the best broadcast work in the entire industry over the last half a decade.
Anyway, Hywel is a great MC, cool, whatever. You've watched him on UFC Fight Pass the last seven years, so you already knew that.
What I'd like to impart upon you tonight is that however good of an MC you think Hywel Chaplin is on your TV, please understand this: He's an infinitely better human being. He doesn't have an insane ego; he does what he does for the fighters, the fans he's performing for, and the team he's a part of. In an industry rife with bitterness, competition and jealousy, I've never heard a bad word said against him, and that a very rare thing.
On a personal note - as I said on last Saturday's Cage Warriors broadcast - I'm even prouder to call Hywel a friend than I am a college. I was honoured to be invited to his wedding to the wonderful, beautiful Olivia a couple of years back - proof if there ever was that if you're an incredible human being, you can indeed punch well above your weight in the game of love :-p
I've also been privileged to meet Mr and Mrs Chaplin, and Hywel's younger brother Rhodri. As I'm sure you can imagine, the apple did not fall far from the tree. What a wonderful family.
Anyway...before I get too soppy...
Chappers, you are the best. The best Cage Warriors MC. The best person. The best friend.
How do you become a Cage Warriors icon in one easy step?
Simple...
....you can't.
