Blair Ford returns to Darlington this August and views his upcoming bout as a No.1 contender bout for the Unity FC lightweight strap.
Ford, who hails from FuDog MMA, made his return earlier this year after a long three-year hiatus from competition. Raring and ready to go, he looks forward to putting on another show for the Darlington crowd. In Unity’s first show of 2023, Ford bounced back into the win column while finishing Scott Watson in the opening round.
Now seeking activity and eager to make up for lost time, Blair Ford is in a great headspace ahead of battle. We had the chance to catch up with the Scotsman ahead of fight night. Hear what he had to say below
Interview With Blair Ford
In August, you’ll make the walk once again on Unity FC after making a statement on your return last time out. Just talk to me about how that felt, getting your hand raised within the first round after so long out.
It felt euphoric. Getting back in the win column after more than three years out was so satisfying and answered a lot of the questions I had about myself. Although I was buzzing, I was also slightly disappointed not to get more of a fight from it, but that’s on me, I guess, for submitting him in the 1st.
The upcoming show will mark your second bout of 2023. How does it feel now actually being among it again, training, competing and seeking more and more activity?
It feels great. Being back in the mixer with the fight team and having a fight to focus on does great things for your mental state. We have about seven guys in the gym with fights coming up, so there’s a great buzz at FuDog just now.
Three years out is a huge gap as this sport moves so quickly. Despite a dominant showing, did anything surprise you at all, or did you still feel like your old self in there?
I was actually surprisingly calm throughout the whole process of fight week and fight day, which was new for me. I was having great fun, which was a massive help in keeping my head straight.
Blair Ford Talks Mindset
What was the difference between the Blair Ford, who fought Finlay Wright back in 2020, to the Blair Ford, who ran through Scott Watson last time out?
When I fought Finlay back in 2020, my mindset was all over the place. I was going into the fight with the mindset that if I lost, it was the end of my MMA career, which is a ridiculous way of thinking for someone only on his 3rd amateur fight at the time. I guess my approach to fighting now is to have fun with the whole process. If I’m not having fun with it, then what’s the point of doing it? I’m also up a weight class which takes a bit of stress away.
Aug.5, you’ll face Luke Richardson, who is no slouch. How are you looking at this bout, and do you feel this is one of the toughest tests you’ve had so far?
Luke has fought a lot of good amateurs currently on the scene and has only been beaten by the best of guys in the country. Judging by his results and record, he’ll definitely be my toughest test to date, and I relish the opportunity to fight him.
Although the fight is still some time away, when does the nitty gritty start of diving into Luke’s skill set and what he offers, or has that already begun? Talk us through how your preparation will be structured.
I’ve not actually done any research on him as of yet. I’ve still got around eight weeks or so to get my revision in and watch some footage. I’m mainly working on my own skill set and how I can better myself. It’s me vs me always. I’ve also got an amazing team of coaches and training partners constantly pushing each other, so you can guarantee I’ll be well prepared.
Exciting Fights
You’ve proven win or lose, you will always be in an exciting fight, and the judges can usually take the night off. Give a tease of what the Unity crowd can expect from you again this time round.
I like to finish fights, and so does Luke. The crowd should be in for a treat.
Luke has been fighting some high-level amateurs and, on his recent two, has fallen short. Have you managed to watch those fights? If so, what are your thoughts, and what do you take away from those?
As previously said, I haven’t watched any fights of his yet. The guys he’s lost to are solid names on the amateur circuit, so it’s no shame losing to them. His record is 4-2, and mine is 3-2, so the matchmakers have done well on this one.
Finally, we love a prediction. Tell the readers how Blair Ford gets it done on Aug.5 at Unity FC?
I’m never one to make fight predictions, unfortunately. However, I see this fight as a No.1 contender fight for that UNITY FC lightweight belt, so if I’m gonna make a prediction on anything, it’s that Luke or I am going to be next in line for that title shot against whoever the champ is later in the night.
Featured image credits to Angy Ellis Photography
