Dan Bainbridge is entering his Rise and Conquer 13 clash with Nestor Santana with bad intentions.
On October 7th, Bainbridge is set to make the walk to the cage for the second time as a professional mixed martial artist, and if the fight goes anything like his first, those attending are in for a treat. The TFT fighter made his pro-debut in the show’s last installment, and it took him just 46-seconds of round-one to record his first victory in his new ranks.
Ahead of fight night at the Rainton Arena, we had the opportunity to catch up with Dan Bainbridge. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Dan Bainbridge
Daniel, nearly time to make the walk. How have things been since your successful professional debut. How long did it take for the high to wear off?
To be honest mate, the high wore off straight away. I was already asking Fisher what was next. I just want to fight.
It took you just 46-seconds to get Ash wood out of there in your pro-debut. Firstly, did you expect more from him, and secondly, what can you take much away from such a short fight like that?
It was only going to end one way. I would of finished him then or late, the finish was coming either way. Respect for Ash for stepping in short notice. Richard Kallos pulled out to a training injury, so I’m just thankful I could get to perform.
You’ve fought on Rise and Conquer several times, which is essentially TFT’s home-show. Does having all your own people in attendance play a factor into how you feel/perform in anyway? Or is that not even something that crosses your mind?
There is abit of added pressure as I don’t want be chinned in front of all my friends and family, but it’s amazing when you get the win and everyone cheering for you.
Dan Bainbridge Talks October 7th
October 7th, you will face-off with Nestor Santana. MMA is a mad game as we just seen at the weekend with Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya. However, looking at his resume, are you giving him any chance when the cage door closes on you?
Of course Nestor has a chance of beating me. I’m not stupid anything can happen that night. But I’ve prepared hard for Nestor that’s all I can do.
Again, on paper, people expect you to walk through Nestor. Does that come with a sense of pressure or none at all?
There is a sense of pressure as he’s a bjj black belt, so he could potentially take me down and sub me. However if my a**e touches the canvas he can expect me to scramble and make his life hell for the full 15 minutes.
You posted on Instagram that you’re going to “retire Nestor”. Elaborate? What are you going to do to him at Rise and Conquer 13, that will make him not want to put on those gloves again?
I want to beat him up that bad that he wants to second guess putting the gloves back on.
Final Thoughts
You close out the year 2-0 and your really beginning to pick up some momentum in the early stages of your pro-career. Saying that, what’s next? Have you allowed yourself to think that far ahead? Will that be you done for the year?
I want one more before the end of the year. Early November. Cage Warriors is coming to Newcastle, so I want get on that. But if all goes well early November, I want get out and have one more scrap before the year closes.
Featured image credits to Rise and Conquer
