7 hours ago
6
So much has changed in mixed martial arts since Dean Garnett started in the sport around 20 years ago.
Describing the scene as the "wild west", Liverpool's Garnett describes fighting in rooms full of smoke while fans puffed on cigarettes.
There was little money in the sport back then - a far cry from the $100,000 (£75,000) Garnett will win if he beats France's Baris Adiguzel in the final of the PFL's European bantamweight tournament in Lyon on Saturday.
But one of the biggest changes, Garnett says, is the acceptance of the sport today.
The 37-year-old, who coaches and founded his own gym and academy in Liverpool, refers to the opportunities which are now available to youngsters.
"You'd have never got MMA, post-16 courses which are government-funded 20 years ago," Garnett tells BBC Sport.
"There's so much depth in combat for young people, it teaches them so many skills for life.
"It doesn't promote violence, it promotes so many other things the world needs right now, especially young people."
Garnett's gym, the Aspire Combat Sports Academy, offers youngsters courses which yield qualifications certified and acknowledged by governing bodies.
Throughout the interview with Garnett he circles back to his work as a coach, which illustrates how passionate he is about helping others.
"It's part of my character, I like to help people who are maybe less fortunate than me or maybe haven't had the opportunities I've had," says Garnett.
"We've got kids with special education needs who are now empowered to do sport and MMA. We've got youngsters who graduate from my programme with a coaching qualification and go on to university.
"My job is about helping people to better themselves. That's about as rewarding as a job can be.
"You're part of their success and their lows, but that's what life's about, it makes you feel alive."
Garnett has won two fights this year to qualify for Saturday's final and says everything in his career is "clicking into place" at the age of 37.
Since making his professional debut in 2020, Garnett has won 14 of his 18 professional fights, lost three and drawn one.
Should he beat Adiguzel, Garnett is targeting around two more years in the sport before retiring from competing.
Garnett can take inspiration from Manchester's Dakota Ditcheva, who won the PFL Europe women's flyweight belt in 2023 before triumphing in the global tournament the following year.
"It's easily the biggest fight of my career financially. From a professional standpoint it's a championship fight so it's a European title essentially. The biggest moment of my career to date," adds Garnett.
"Winning the European title there's bigger fights for me out there - it potentially sets me up for fighting for the world title."
Whether he wins or loses against Adiguzel, who has won nine of his 10 professional fights, Garnett is content with what he has achieved during his career.
"I'd love to be a good example of someone who is multi-faceted in the sport and achieved things in and out the cage - I'd love to be known for that," says Garnett.
"I want to do a lot more than I have but if it all ends tomorrow I can't fault myself. I've committed to the sport, gave it 110% and I'll continue to do so."
