Mixed martial arts has transformed dramatically since Dean Garnett first stepped into the cage nearly two decades ago. Back then, the Liverpool fighter recalls an unregulated environment he describes as the “wild west”, with bouts held in smoke-filled rooms and little financial reward. This weekend in Lyon, that same journey could culminate in a $100,000 payday if Garnett defeats France’s Baris Adiguzel in the final of the PFL Europe bantamweight tournament.
At 37, Garnett is preparing for the most lucrative and significant fight of his career. The contrast with his early days in the sport is stark, not just in prize money but in how MMA is perceived. Once viewed with suspicion, the sport is now widely accepted and offers structured pathways for young athletes.
From Survival to Structure
Garnett believes one of the biggest changes in MMA has been its growing recognition as a tool for personal development. As the founder and head coach of Aspire Combat Sports Academy in Liverpool, he works closely with young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special educational needs.
According to Garnett, modern MMA promotes discipline, confidence and life skills rather than violence. His academy offers government-funded, post-16 courses that lead to recognised qualifications, something he says would have been unimaginable when he began fighting. For Garnett, coaching has become just as important as competing, giving his career a deeper purpose beyond results inside the cage.
Career Clicking at the Right Time
Despite his focus on coaching, Garnett’s own fighting career has gathered momentum. Since making his professional debut in 2020, he has won 14 of his 18 bouts, with two victories this year securing his place in Saturday’s final. He says everything feels like it is “clicking into place” at a stage when many fighters begin to wind down.
Victory over Adiguzel, who has won nine of his 10 professional fights, would not only bring financial security but also open the door to bigger opportunities, including a potential world title challenge. Garnett has pointed to fellow Briton Dakota Ditcheva’s rise through PFL Europe as proof of what is possible.
Legacy Beyond the Cage
Regardless of the result, Garnett is at peace with his journey. He hopes to be remembered as someone who achieved success both as a fighter and as a coach. With plans to compete for another two years at most, his focus remains on commitment, growth and giving back — values shaped by a career that has mirrored the evolution of MMA itself.
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