Comeback duel between Dean Garnett and Miguel Haro
Both absent from the professional circuit for five years, English talent Dean Garnett (9-2) and Franco-Spaniard, Miguel Haro (9-8), will return to the stage at HEXAGONE MMA 6 on January 22, 2023 for a fight that is highly anticipated on both sides of the Channel. The catchweight bout will be fought at 64 kg.
Lately, when Dean Garnett has appeared in the cage, he has not been wearing gloves or a mouth guard. This is because besides being a fighter, the Liverpool native also dedicates himself to high-level coaching, within the Aspire Combat Sports Academy, in a hall which he owns. Since 2018, coaching has dominated his career, but not for nothing. As a coach, Dean Garnett has taken prodigy Muhammad Mokaev all the way to the top 15 in the UFC, and brought up a whole army of fierce young British guys. This time, it’s time for him to return to his first love: fighting.
High-level grappling
Nearly five years after his last stint in the octagon, the 34-year-old Scouser chose HEXAGONE MMA to make his comeback, and prove to the mixed martial arts world that he has lost none of his talent. A grappling specialist, he has five submissions among his nine career successes, but also performs well in stand-up, with a track record of back kick K-O’s. Clearly a spectacular fighter, Garnett has long been considered the British up-and-comer and he will be eager to make his mark.
Haro, student of the Boxing Squad
On January 22, the Zenith in Paris will host a battle of returnees: While Dean Garnett has been absent since 2018, his opponent Miguel Haro has 17 fights to his name, but only one since 2016. A striker trained by Aldric Cassata, the excellent coach of the Nice Boxing Squad, the 30-year-old Franco-Spaniard will have to outdo himself to close the distance against tough opposition. But this is nothing new for Miguel Haro, who has faced formidable opponents across main events in Europe, including Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and Finland. He notably faced the then rising star Paddy Pimblett in the main event of British fight night, Full Contact Contender. Pressure is something he knows well.
