Cage Warriors LHW champ James Webb talks ahead of first title defence.

Two-time Cage Warriors champion James Webb has spoken ahead of his title defence in March about pre-fight rituals, his UFC goal, training with Tom Aspinall, and more.

James previously fought at middleweight, where he would have to cut 15kg during fight week, whereas now only 2-3kg.

We asked him if there were any noticeable differences he and his team could see in the past two fights since moving up.

He said: "Since moving up, I've been able to show people my full capabilities, cutting that much weight before gave me loads of problems, issues with my cardio, shock resistance, and so on.

"In this sport, your body is your job, you know, and you need to make sure you're armored up and you can withstand things like injuries, and Middleweight was hurting me."

In his last fight camp, James surrounded himself with a higher caliber of fighters than usual, one being Tom Aspinall.

He spoke about the benefits this has done for him and how it's something he is doing in the build-up to his next fight.

James said: "I train with Tom weekly, he is phenomenal and so humble for someone of that level.

"I take something away from every training session, especially from Tom and he has created such a good environment.

"There are some of the best light-heavyweights and heavyweights in the world training here, and even some weeks where I come away feeling smashed, I come away feeling better."

Pre-fight mental preparation is vital for any athlete, especially for MMA fighters, and James gave us an insight into his routine.

"Not so much rituals, but I have this mantra I tell myself, which I've been doing for the months now.

"It's like a 2-and-a-half minute speech where I remind myself who I am, where I want to be, and what I'm capable of.

"I do it basically every day, and I do it before fights now."

He added: "I don't really have any rituals, I'm a pretty boring guy...but boring wins."

The champ admitted that a UFC contract has been within his grasp multiple times before, but believes this is the year he achieves his lifelong dream.

"The goal has always been the UFC, there's been times when I have been within touching distance of it, but then I have lost fights or had injuries.

"The truth is I know I will be in the UFC this year, there's something that's overwhelmed me with belief and confidence."

James then finished with a powerful statement.

He said: "I am fortunate enough that the stars have sort of aligned to give me the best chance I have at this career.

"I and everyone around me believe my dream is a possibility, and if it's not, no worries I'm still going to try my hardest.

"Like why not? If I fail, f*ck it I fail, but at least I went for the dream I've had since I was a kid."

The full interview is below:

James' title defence is on March 21st in London for Cage Warriors 186, you can buy tickets online here: CW 186: London | Cage Warriors