• UFC 138

Hathaway does not regret choosing MMA over rugby

John Hathaway was demonstrating new fightwear brand LUTA, which supports Fight for Peace International © Damien Davis

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John Hathaway insists he has no regrets over his choice to pursue a career in MMA, despite the fact it meant him turning down the chance to become a professional rugby player.

Hathaway reached a crossroads earlier in his life when he was nearing the option of playing professional rugby, choosing instead to concentrate full-time on MMA after DVDs and live events gave him the UFC bug.

The powerful welterweight has since gone on to fulfil his dream of fighting in the world's biggest promotion, winning five of six bouts to date. Now the Brit will look to improve that record when he takes on Matt Brown at UFC 138.

However, rugby remains a passion for Hathaway, who recently offered plenty of tweets about New Zealand's 83-7 rout of Japan. Indeed, it is at moments like the Rugby World Cup that Hathaway could be forgiven for contemplating what life may have been like had he pursued the 15-man game, but he insists MMA is the right sport for him.

"I watch rugby because I love the game," Hathaway told ESPN, having taken time out of training to demo new fightwear brand LUTA. "But if I'd chosen to play rugby I'd be in the same position about MMA - I'd watch every UFC, you know?

"I definitely made the right decision to fight MMA."

Hathaway is likely to enter as favourite when he takes on Brown in November, so he can sympathise with Rugby World Cup favourites New Zealand for the pressure such expectation brings. The Brit is backing the All Blacks to triumph on home soil though, with England heading for quarter-final heartache.

"I caught the last 40 minutes of the All Blacks [v Japan], it was quite a game! I'll probably jinx them but I think New Zealand will do it," Hathaway predicted.

"I think England will get to the quarters for sure, but when we come up against one of the big four it'll be our downfall. I know Argentina are a tough side and we beat them [in the opening game], but I felt our performance was a bit under par."

John Hathaway is an ambassador for LUTA Clothing. LUTA uses the most advanced performance fabrics and technology to meet the needs of multi-disciplined fighters and those serious about getting fit. Find out more at www.luta.co.uk

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