On the 30th of January, in Kentishtown, London, UFC veteran Neil 'Goliath' Grove (8-2) was due to take part in ZT Fight Night's 'The Tournament'. This is a one night, heavyweight tournament featuring some of the best heavyweights Britain has to offer. However, as Neil exclusively revealed to MMA Unltd, it appears he now won't be fighting on this show.

"I was looking forward to it, but now it appears I won't even be in it," Grove admitted. "My manager is negotiating a fight for me in Japan."

He continued, "I'm still on the reserve list, so if I don't fight in Japan, there's a strong possibility I'll be in it. I have nothing left to prove in the UK though, and unfortunately the UK-based fighting events don't pay well at all; at least not like in Japan or America! Therefore, I would like to fight abroad."

Something that does draw Grove to the tournament though is the possibility of a rematch with Rob Broughton. In 2008, 'The Bear' beat 'Goliath' via majority decision, and Grove is keen to set the record straight.

"Rob knows we have unfinished business; just have a look at how surprised he looked when they announced him as the winner of that fight," Neil remarked. "He is the only one worth fighting on there though! The others I've beaten, are new to the sport or should've retired ages ago!"

In his last outing, Grove blasted Martin Thompson in a round. He was happy with his performance, but disappointed with what his foe had to offer.

"I was hoping for more of a challenge as I've seen him fight before," Grove admitted. "To me he is still the second best in the country though, with me being the best of course!"

In February of last year, Grove fought in the UFC, only to get heel hooked in the first round by the unheralded Mike Ciesnolevicz. He explained how he wasn't happy at being cut, although he thinks he will be back in the big leagues sooner rather than later.

He explained, "I've seen guys lose their first and second fights that are still fighting in the UFC. I lost one, similar to the way Brock Lesnar lost his first fight for the company. They cut me loose and said to me that to get back in I needed to compile a winning streak. To be honest, I believe I have done enough now!"

"Also, in the last fight I was meant to have, Karlos Vemola pulled out after the weigh in. That to me spells fear of losing on his and his management teams' behalf, and he is meant to be a champion?"

'Goliath' continued, "Anyway, if none of the current best heavyweights want to face me, they should have reinstated me as they said they would. I'm now looking at events in Japan. I will fight there, and wait for Joe and Dana to contact me with a better offer than the one they could've had now!"

Evidently glowing with self confidence, Grove thinks he has the potential to go right to the top of the sport. "How far can I go? I will become a champion in Japan, and if the Americans want me, I will become a champion there too," he declared.

To finish off, Neil had some thanks to make. He said, "Without my fans, friends and supporters, this wouldn't have been as enjoyable as it has been thus far. I want to mention my sponsors, Excel Health and Performance Gym, Semtex Fight Gym, Fransciscan Well in Cork, Breff, Hoppy and Primal. I would like to say without them, there would've been no way I would've been able to compete. Also, two guys who have been with me since day one of my traditional martial arts (Goju Ryu) and MMA career; Adam Bancroft and Sensei Gavin Mulholland."

"I am looking for more sponsorship. Training means taking time off work, flying to Cork to train with Anton and Shane, to Holland to train with Stuart, and I have plans to train in Russia or America, and need the funds to do so. So please, any sponsorship will be appreciated!"