Ryan “Big Baby” Scope is an undefeated professional mixed martial artist boasting a record of 8-0. Scope currently trains with Colin Fletcher and has also been a regular at the Alliance Training Centre in San Diego and is touted as one of the UK’s most talented prospects.
His next fight will be against tough wrestler Ali Arish at BAMMA 15.
TQ – It’s been announced that you will be fighting at Bamma 15 against Ali Arish in a Welterweight fight. How excited are you to be given this opportunity?
RS – Really excited! Can’t wait to be sent up the rankings and one step closer to the big league!
TQ – The fight was announced fairly late on, in terms of being in fight shape how did you find this?
RS – I had just had a fight on the Made For The Cage card and only had a couple weeks out before getting back to the grind. So I feel really good!
TQ – No secret that your opponents strength is wrestling. Will you be adding anything extra to your fight camp to mitigate his strength?
RS – Yeah just obviously drilling a bit more takedown defence and movement etc.
TQ- At 21 years old it must be a pretty awesome feeling getting to fight in the Copper Box. Do you get nervous ahead of fights as its far to say this is your biggest test to date?
RS – More excitement than nervous to be honest. Fighting is the easy bit. It’s the training and weight cut that’s the worst!
TQ – Your last two fights have really helped to cement your record with wins coming over Luke Newman and Phil Flynn. Do you feel that you are underestimated as a Welterweight contender?
RS – I definitely am. Only people I train with know my full potential as I haven’t showed it in my recent fights.
TQ – Does a win over Ali finally get you the recognition you deserve?
RS – I’m sure there will be some critics still but Ali is a veteran and beaten most of the top uk welterweights! So a win over him should get my name out there.
TQ – Now you have received some criticism of your opponents since starting your career. What do you have to say to those critics and how hard is it getting big named fights early on in your career?
RS – Well I turned pro at 17 and was fighting men so f*ck the critics they have not got a clue! I also beat Scott Ward at age 18 who was a well respected fighter. Then Stu Bars who just came off a win over Matt Inman at the time. I never want easy fights which is why I took the fight with Ali. Not many people want hard fights these days they want to pad their record!
TQ – What is your weight cut to Welterweight like and at what stage in the camp do you start to focus on that?
RS – Pretty easy to be honest I just cut my carbs the last week and maybe a hot bath and I’m there!
TQ – What other fights excite you in the BAMMA Welterweight division?
RS – None at the minute really as Ali is higher ranked than any of the BAMMA Welterweights so my eyes are set solely on him.
TQ – Is there anyone you would like to thank or mention?
RS – David Hall, John Holmes, My sponsor Lonsdale and all my training partners, family and friends. Peace x
Be sure to follow him on twitter @ryanscope1 and tickets to his April 5th fight can be purchased here.
