Ryan Shaw is all set for his first outing of 2023 and meets Max Barnett at Bamofo MMA 5 in Barnsley, England, this Saturday.
The undefeated welterweight had had a successful time inside the octagon since his amateur debut, going (2-0). Shaw’s debut kickstarted with a unanimous decision win over Connor Hepple on Almighty Fighting Championship. He then followed that up by attaining a second-round submission over Ethan Hill.
Ahead of battle, we had the pleasure of catching up with Ryan Shaw, who promised to drag his opponent into “deep, deep waters”. Read the full exclusive interview below.
Interview With Ryan Shaw
Days out from your first outing of 2023. How much are you looking forward to getting back out there after in what will be your third year of competition?
I’m absolutely buzzing to get back out there, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m excited to show the improvements I’ve made within the last year.
You currently boast a (2-0) record thus far in your amateur career. How would you sum up your career and performances thus far? Are you satisfied?
Im very happy to have gone out there and got the two wins, but looking back at my performances, they almost make me cringe, im a perfectionist and very self-critical, so I’ve spent a lot of time fixing what I saw and didn’t like from my first two fights.
Ryan Shaw Talks Progression
Although debuting in 2021, you managed to get one outing in 2022. Was there a reason behind not seeking more activity last year, or is it to allow yourself to get more time in the gym learning?
Similar to the prior question, I’m a perfectionist. I saw things in my game I didn’t like and I wanted to work on, and I believe I am 10x the fighter now to that I was last time out, and I’m excited to showcase that.
Badmofo 5 will take place in Barnsley, and you’ll meet Max Barnett on the night. How do you view this fight and Barnett as a fellow competitor?
He’s game, powerful and comes to scrap. His aggressiveness is his strength but it also will be his biggest downfall. I see him getting frustrated, rushing in and getting caught. I’ll be laying traps and aiming to take him to deep waters and drown him.
I spoke with Max ahead of the fight, and he did give you some props, but he also stated he could see him putting you to sleep in three rounds. Do you have any response to that?
Punchers chance, I’m very aware of the threat that he brings. That’s his only way to winning this fight, though. I’ll be playing matador all night with him making him miss making him mad, and making him pay.
MMA Competition
What are you looking to get out of the year in terms of MMA competition?
Activity, I’m aiming to get in there a lot more this year and get that experience and minutes in the cage under my belt.
Finally, Max said he’d return to the win column in exciting fashion with a big finish. I’ll ask you the same questions, how does Saturday night unfold, and how do you get it done?
I hope he can swim because I’m taking him to deep, deep waters and drowning him.
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
