Isaac Richards, the MM,A-League star has a new goal…
Former Adelaide United goalkeeper Isaac Richards, who once abandoned his promising soccer career for the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), is set for a shot at ratification.
The 24-year-old rising star, who once credited the game of soccer (or football, don’t fight me) for saving him from a troubled past, is now set to take on the undefeated Alex Matheson (2-0) in a clash for the amateur heavyweight title at Diamondback FC 19 on March 3rd, at Adelaide Oval.
Richards, who played for Australian professional football club Adelaide United, made a decision to switch to mixed martial arts roughly 3 years ago.
In an interview with The Advertiser newspaper in Adelaide, Richards opens up about some early trouble in his life that lead to some necessary changes.
This challenging period served as a turning point in his life, steering him away from a path that could have landed him in serious trouble. Joe Barton, who wrote a story for the major newspaper in Adelaide (The Advertiser) quotes Richards as saying, "I just refused to listen."
The article highlights Richards' determination to make a name for himself in MMA, with a long-term goal of following in the footsteps of Australian UFC champion Alex Volkanovski who played semi-professional rugby league for the Warilla Gorillas in the Group 7 Rugby League before going on the become the UFC #2 P4P.
Richards reflects on his troubled youth, stating, "I’ve always liked fighting and I probably used it in the wrong way...But martial arts gave me an outlet to do it in a positive way."
However, standing in Richards' way is the the 2-0 Alex Matheson, aptly nicknamed "The Rainbow Snake." Described as a giant and a knockout force on the Australian scene by Diamondback FC promoter Craig Icke, Matheson poses a significant challenge to Richards' ambitious MMA aspirations.
As Richards, whose only loss has been to the #1 heavyweight in Australia, the 8-1, middleweight and light heavyweight champion Damian Volar (ironically, of whom trains at the same gym as his opponent.), knows the risk of this venture. Yet still, he knows that a title will solidify his decision of switching codes. A full circle moment, that proves to everyone that he made the right decision and scored his own goal.
This heavyweight title clash against Alex Matheson becomes a pivotal moment in the journey of Richards. Similar to many other MMA athletes transitioning from previous professional sports. Until a championship is claimed, They will always be their prior sport.
Will Isaac Richards be an MMA champion that used to play soccer? Or will he always be a former A-League goalie trying something else.
Tickets: https://diamondbackfc.com/
