For so long as brothers George and Harry Hardwick can bear in mind, they’ve loved boss fights.
As this interview takes place, the digital camera is balanced on an outdated pile of Ps 2 video games on the brothers’ dwelling in Middlesbrough.
Among the many video games are Killer 7, the Factor and Half-Life, however it’s the preventing recreation Tekken which has fuelled the Hardwick’s rivalry over time.
It’s a wholesome rivalry which has unfold from gaming to combined martial arts, with the pair now flourishing in reaching the top of UK-based MMA promotion, Cage Warriors.
Harry, the oldest of the 2 siblings at 30, is the featherweight champion whereas George, 28, holds the light-weight title.
“There’s at all times been one thing geared in our brains in the direction of video games and really for a job now, we do boss fights,” Harry tells BBC Sport.
“That is basically what we do for a dwelling – we’ve boss fights.”
George, in the meantime, credit video video games with having a optimistic impact on the brothers’ preventing careers.
He’ll defend his title in opposition to Lucas Clay in Manchester on 14 March, with Harry placing his belt on the road in opposition to Javier Garcia every week later in London on 21 March.
“Do not underestimate video video games – they’re so good on the mind,” provides George.
“Anybody who does combined martial arts or any sport give this a attempt – do not go on social media whenever you’re chilling, play some video video games.
“Play some Ninja Gaiden, Tekken, Darkish Souls, no matter it’s. And whenever you prepare, your thoughts is a lot sharper.
“There is a cause why [former UFC champions] Demetrius Johnson, Sean O’Malley and Max Holloway clock so many hours in video video games.”
American Holloway has mentioned he discovered some putting combos from enjoying the UFC online game early in his profession, which he later carried out in his fights – one thing which the Hardwicks can relate to.
“There’s instances we’ll say Demon’s Wrath on pads – it is a transfer from the command listing on Tekken. It is left excessive kick to jab, to proper low kick to left physique shot,” says George.
