Goliath MMA representative Ben Masterton vows to put on a show for travelling friends and family ahead of his MMA debut this Saturday at Macsimum Fight Night 2.
Macsimum Fight Night returns to the Fraserburgh Leisure Centre for it’s second instalment. Those attending will be presented with action from numerous disciplines within mixed martial arts. As it stands, the card consists of MMA, boxing, K1, and no-gi grappling bouts.
Ahead of fight night, we had the opportunity to catch up with Ben Masterton to see how he’s feeling ahead of the memorable night the debutant has ahead of him.
Interview With Ben Masterton
Saturday night, you make your MMA debut? If I was to tell you that several years ago, would you have believed me?
If you told me several years ago that I’d be making my MMA debut, I wouldn’t have believed you, I’ve always loved to watch MMA, but I never thought that I’d personally step in the cage and have a fight.
When was the decision made between yourself and Steven Harris to take your first fight?
Steven Harris and I talked about how much I’ve been improving over the last months and getting me a fight on our home show Goliath fight series, but that never materialised. So, I took the next fight I had available.
How did you personally know the time was right to make that jump?
Over the last couple of months, I’ve begun to feel like my overall MMA skill set has been steadily improving. After taking a step up in training, I began to feel more confident in making the jump into my first fight. Doing more hard rounds of sparring and grappling, I’ve begun to feel a lot better and have noticed how much I have improved over the last six months.
Ben Masterton on Journey Into MMA
I like to ask those I haven’t spoken with why they decided to get into mixed martial arts. What made you walk through the doors of Goliath MMA for the first time?
As I stated before, I’ve always loved MMA. Been watching it for years with the days of Randy couture, Chuck Lidell and Anderson silva. I always wanted to be involved in some capacity with the sport. When I did a bit of research, I discovered that Goliath had just moved to this new and improved unit with state-of-the-art training facilities, so I had to take the chance and join. Even from the first training session, all the boys were welcoming and always giving advice. There is not a better atmosphere than in the Goliath gym.
You will face Seth Milne on fight night. Does it give you a sense of comfort knowing he’s also making his debut and will be going through all the same emotions as you are in the build-up?
Yeah, it does give me some comfort knowing that we’re both debutants, but I tend not to think about or bother about what my opponent is doing and feeling. All I can do is focus on myself and my training leading up to this fight.
Talking Opposition
As mentioned, Milne will be making his debut. What do you know about your opponent, if anything?
To be honest, I don’t know much about Seth. As I said before, I’m focusing on what I’m going to do in the cage, not him. The game plan remains the same whomever I’m fighting.
Sell it to the audience. Why should they tune in for Ben Masterton and Seth Milne, and what can be expected from you?
This fight is going to be an absolute banger. You’re going to see it all from the first bell, no back steps. I’m going in there to put on a show, beat him on the feet and on the ground. I’m definitely looking for the finish.
Can we expect to see a good crowd there to support you, and how will you celebrate if you leave with your hand raised?
There is going to be a pretty good crowd there to support me. I’ve got a lot of friends and some family making the journey up to see me win.
I’ll give you the last word. Is there anyone you’d like to thank before you make the walk for the first time?
As the last word, I’d like to thank Steven Harris for being a great coach. He’s made me ready for this fight. I want to thank John Humphries, my jujitsu coach, as well for steadily improving my ground game. I want to thank all the guys in the gym, especially my twin brother Brad, for giving me great rounds in sparring and the determination leading up to this fight. I also want to give a huge thanks to my girlfriend Emily, who has been amazing in supporting me in my training leading up to this fight.
Featured image credits to Blacksquid Photography
