Scott Askham on fight with Max Nunes "I can't wait for him to be stood in front of me"

Scott Askham talks to Kingdom MMA before his fight with Max Nunes

by Ben Heather @benheather

Earlier this week Kingdom MMA caught up with Scott Askham ahead of his main event fight against Max Nunes at BAMMA Fight Night on Saturday night. That fight will mark the first time that Askham attempts to defend his BAMMA World Middlewight Championship belt. Before the fight takes place though we caught up with Scott to discuss that fight with Nunes, his recent injury and his plans for the future.

Ben: Hi Scott, Thank you for your time and for answering our questions before the fight.
It’s been nearly 9 months since we last saw you in action, what have you been working on in that time?
Askham: I've been focusing on my game as a whole and moving forward that way.

Ben: How does it feel to be the BAMMA world champion, is this the greatest achievement you in your career to date?
Askham: Yeah of course it's my biggest achievement (so far) and being BAMMA's world champion is awesome. I have massive self-belief and always believed I would become their champion.

Ben: You were supposed to defend your title against Ion Pascu before being forced to withdraw due to an injury. Max replaced you in that fight, what did you make of Max's performance?
Askham: He did just enough to get the nod  but it did not stand out as an outstanding performance or anything. He did nothing that impressed me.

Ben: How frustrating has it been to be sat on the side-lines unable to fight?
Askham: It has been slightly frustrating but I have just had a baby girl, so it came at a good time for me as well, as she has kept me busy.

Ben: How is the shoulder feeling now, when did you get the all clear on it and have you had to go easy on it during camp at all or is it 100% now?
Askham: My shoulder is 100% now and has been since around February time.

Ben: Max called you out, but decided to take a fight in Russia instead of fighting you.
Did you want to/ would you have been fit to fight Max Nunes at BAMMA 15 in April and what did you make of him calling you out then taking another fight?
Askham: I would have been fit to fight yes but he took the other fight... That's behind me now as well. Now I have had a good 4 months with Max in my mind!! I can't wait for him to be stood in front of me!

Ben: You finally will square off against Max in just under two weeks time. How excited are you to return to action on June 7th?
Askham: I can't wait!! Just over a week and I will be stepping on the scales. My weight feels good and my training camp's been awesome!

Ben: In your opinion what does Max Nunes do well?
Askham: I don't really care what he does well I will just go out there and implement my game plan.

Ben: Nunes' only loss came against Jason Jones, have you watched the tape on that fight and have you picked up on areas that you can target?
Askham: His heart! He quit in that fight!!

Ben: You have stated before that this fight is the last fight on your contract with Bamma. Do you think a win over Max Nunes will be the win required to get the attention of the UFC?
Askham: I am hoping so. I do not see any reason why not. I think I will have earned it, don't you think?

Ben: If the UFC do not come calling, can we expect you to re-sign with BAMMA and be one of their showcase fighters?
Askham: We will have to see, I do have UFC in my mind...

Ben: Names for the foreseeable future?
Askham: Luke Barnatt?? Makes sense. Me get to the UFC, clock up a  few wins and have a massive Middleweight fight in the UK. How about that?

Ben: How do you see yourself winning the fight on June 7th?
Askham: TKO, Sub or UD if he hangs in to the end, but it's still not going to be close!!

Ben: Would you like to thank anyone or any sponsors ahead of the fight?
Askham: All my sponsors as always have been a massive help; all my friends and family who are making the journey to Southampton; my team at Ludus Magnus; and all the fans for their support. Thank you very much!!

Thank you for your time and good luck in your fight we are all looking forward to what is anticipated to be a great fight between two of the best Middleweight fighters not in the UFC.