Rhys Aiyeola-Keys goes behind enemy lines this Saturday to try and hand Ben Hastie his first competitive loss at Goliath Fight Series 3.
The event put together by Steven Harris and Chris Duncan is expected to deliver with a sold-out crowd waiting in the wings. The Lochgelly Centre will have the privlidge of hosting this weekend’s action.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Rhys Aiyeola-Keys ahead of his sixth amateur outing. Hear his thoughts below.
Interview With Rhys Aiyeola-Keys
Saturday night, you’re involved in a fun night of action in Scotland against Ben Hastie. I know this fight came around late for you. Just talk me through how much notice you’ve had and your mindset behind taking a fight on short notice.
Officially I’ve known about this bout for 12 days. However, this wasn’t a deterrent as I have ambitions of turning pro at the right time, and in this sport, it’s important to stay ready for these sorts of opportunities.
You’ve heard fighters in the past relish the opportunity of fighting last minute as the fight doesn’t consume every minute of their life for the duration of their camp. Is it good in the sense that you take this last minute, show up, fight, and head home? Or would you have rathered a full camp to prepare for Hastie?
At the amateur level, I feel as though the experience and cage time is more detrimental than the duration of the camp. I’ve fought short notice and long camps before. I would say there are pros and cons to both.
Rhys Aiyeola-Keys Talks Journey Into MMA
For the readers who may not be familiar with you as of yet, tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your journey into MMA.
I transitioned from Rugby and wrestling to mma after taking some time away from the sport, and since then, I’ve been working on every aspect of my mma game.
Fighting out of Team Underground, what’s the team atmosphere like in the gym right now, with Jonathan Haggerty securing ONE FC gold last weekend? That must give all the guys a boost while preparing to fight.
Jonathan Haggerty’s win and journey are an inspiration to all combat sports athletes. Blood, sweat and tears pay off. I’m honoured to be a part of the same camp.
At this time, you stand at (1-4) in your amateur career. I love when amateurs have the mindset of just fighting anyone, anywhere, and gaining as much experience as possible at this level. Is that the mindset you find yourself in? You often see guys with unpleasant amateur records hit the pro ranks and then go on incredible undefeated runs.
I’m a big fan of the sport, and I know with the right amount of commitment and dedication, anything is possible. I gain experience from every outing, so I’m optimistic about what the future holds. Amateur records are nice when they’re pretty and undefeated, but what’s important is what happens at the pro level.
That said, you’ve been stopped in your last three outings. What do your feel’s gone wrong in there, and what do you feel the procedure has been to correct it?
It’s a cutthroat sport based on growth, so I’m eager to show plenty of growth in my upcoming bouts.
Hostile Environment
The crowd will be on your back from the get-go, fighting in enemy territory. Have you experienced competing in a hostile environment before, and how do you think you’ll react to that?
Last year I was in the valleys fighting a Welshman in Wales at Cagewarriors Academy.
This year I’m fighting a Scotsman in Scotland on the Goliath Fight series. I wouldn’t say I’m new to the hostile territory, and I invite the chaos.
The experience factor heavily favours you on Saturday night. Do you expect that to play any factor on the night?
I’m working under the watchful eye of my head coach Steve Cooke and with his experience advising me, I feel I’m well-equipped to face top-level opposition and come out on top.
Ben Hastie is coming into this fight off a round one TKO debut win. Have you had the chance to watch the debut back, and if so, are you impressed?
As mentioned before, Hastie is coming from a top gym in Scotland in Goliath, mma, and his head coach Harris has successfully transitioned from football to combat sports, and that narrative is something I’m familiar with and can relate to. Good luck to him and his gym.
I spoke with Ben prior to Saturday’s clash, and he was extremely compilatory of you. He said: “Huge respect for taking this fight on short notice; however, when that cage door shuts, you’re locked in there with me.” Do you have a response to that?
I’ve tasted defeat in the past, but I’ve also tasted victory too. I’ll see you soon, boy.
Finally, what would it mean to you to take out a solid opponent in Ben Hastie on Saturday in Scotland and break the skid you find yourself on?
He’s an undefeated Scottish prospect, so I’m happy with the challenge.
Big thanks to my head coach Steve Cooke for sorting everything.
Featured image credits to Rhys Aiyeola-Keys
