MMA Fighting - Eurobash: Episode 62 (w/ Scott Askham)

Episode Date: December 3, 2019

KSW middleweight champion Scott Askham joins Eurobash ahead of his much anticipated KSW 52 main event clash with Mamed Khalidov. Petesy Carroll and Niall McGrath discuss the latest headlines in European MMA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

the band is back together. We are in the bestseller on Dublin Southside with the beautiful Noel McGrath. How are you, sir? I am good. I'm busy, busy weekends. Yes. No drinking. I've had a drink since Thursday night.

You look fresh of the days in, friends. Yeah, my eyes are killing me. You know yourself. Yeah. I'm a good form, man. Good form. I'm delighted that we've had so much breaking news this week. Yeah, yeah.

Big news as well, isn't it? It's brilliant. It's great. And I think, you know, we've talked about this for God now. It's a long about it in terms of the lightweight division. And we've had some really, you know, high quality fights in the division is sort of nicely sorting itself out so

delighted I'm over the moon man yeah there's a lot of a lot of news obviously the big things is obviously Connor the return of Connor McGregor has finally been confirmed and just a day apart I believe the Habeeb and Tony Foy being confirmed this could be a huge year of business here for the UFC this is the right way to get a start of it

isn't it massive listen and we often complain in the past about potentially them overloading cards and I think they've spread this out nicely there's no sort of really massively bumped up where you're going to wait another 12 months to see a really, really good card. We need cards like this. We need these bigger names to put light on the other guys, the up-and-coming guys.

And I think it would be a great idea if the UFC, you know, if they got Sean O'Malley or someone like that, back in action on one of these cards in a higher prominent position. And guys along those modes. So, listen, man, I can't stress how excited I'm about Tony and Abib, especially. I think we knew about Ferguson and Mark Connor and Sorone. That was always in the works after the UFC. pull the plug on Anthony Pettis.

So yeah, it is. It's good news and it's going to be an exciting 2019, definitely. Yeah, absolutely. 2020 even. 2020, guys. They happen so quickly. I don't even know what day the week it is. I'm in mind the year.

I better go through these headlines very quickly now. This is number one bullshit. Connor v. Cowboy Soroni will be going down on January 18th, as announced by Connor McGregor at a Russian press conference last month. Habib Narmeagamagamatov and Tony Ferguson will

on on April 18th in Brooklyn. Fingers crossed, fingers crossed. Tim Elliott v. Ascar Ashkar-Ascroft also announced with that January 18 card. That's an unbelievable fight. Ascarascoff fought to withdraw in his debut. Tim Elliott, of course, has fought Demetris Johnson in the past. How about this one? Arnold Allen v. Josh Emmett going to fight at January 25th in Rally, North Carolina.

Why would you do with that so close to the London card? I mean, the London card is less than two months away from that. Arnold Allen should have been having a fight like this one against Josh Emmett there. It seems like they've put that in the wrong location for me. Would you agree? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe they want to give him an American platform because of his streak and he's fought a lot in the UK.

So maybe it's a different strategy, but hopefully they play the strategy. I would have liked him to be on a McGregor, Serone AS card if they weren't going to do him in London. I'm not sure what's going to headline or what is the headline of that fight card. It's got to be Carr. That would have been the plan for me.

And I just think it's a bit silly. they might have a plan I hope they do Luke Turner who won that Euro fight night and Andrew Fisher have earned Bellator contracts that's from Simon Head at MMA Junkie. Interesting news there because I just assumed Luke Turner

got that contract and he won that EFC that was what that was meant to be about now that was meant to be the prize at stake I presume so yeah then why is it like two months later we're hearing about it I don't know who knows who knows the way those guys work Belator

Bellator announced a lot of new fights this morning Aaron Chambers v. Austin Clem, having heard of him. He has only a pro since October 2018. He's had four fights. He's three and one. Also announced Will Flurry v. Justin Moore, Danny Neeland v. Kiri Penco. Oliver Encamp v. Lewis Long. I believe Richie Smullen has also been announced for a fight as is Blaine O'Driscoll. I just have not wrote down the name of their opponents, unfortunately.

I'll tell you, one thing I will say is I think Enkamp and Long is a great fight. Obviously, there's a lot of Irish interest in these fights. But, you know, Aaron Chalmers is an interesting person, of course, in himself. James Gallow v. Cal Eleanor is going to command some attention. But they haven't set the world on fire with them in ounces for me. Like, there's no fire between these kind of opponents. We've never really heard them in the same conversation before or dialogue. Although there's still a lot of fights to put on this,

I do hope that Belator will start putting on the likes of Quealy and Bungard fights that have a bit of fire to them. Yeah, it's what we've gone back to, you know. Dare I say, Miles Price v. Kiefer Crosby. dare I say. Well, there you go, but it's what we're going back to and what we're talking about. You know, it seems as though there isn't a real, as you said, narrative around these fights. And that's the disappointing thing for me that, you know, obviously James and Cal is going to sell, you know, the eyes are going to be on Iron Charmers again.

Outside of that. Yeah, you're going, like, what is really here for these guys to form a plan? I think you've got to make the Queeley Bungar fight. Coelie's invested six months into that, into that, into that, in that fight. I mean, it came out of nowhere, but now there's definitely an appetite for it. Look at the social media stuff they had for so long, and they missed the boat in shipment and Edwards to a certain extent.

Yeah, yeah. They pulled it off but by the skin and their teeth, you know? And that was probably the fighters. Yeah, yeah. Because they're angry bastards. But Quillie's, Quillies, Quillies, invested in London. Bungard's had a few quotables there from it. Got to make the fight. You've got to make, like,

I mean, I think if Kiefer doesn't fight, Miles, this time around it's gone. You know what I mean? Like, it's going to be on fumes. Do it. I'm already not meant to be talking about that one so we'll quickly move on to there you go no I've only because Kiefer gave out to be the last time I asked him but um how about

a big fight for Paul Redmond as well Reds are like I mean look I mean last year we were talking about this guy is the best fighter in Ireland and I think if anyone deserves a big fight what's the press release say did the press where you say Charmers was common no it just said he was main care well then that's a no brainer that you put Paul Redmond

co-made and give him a good spot he's a big big draw one of the most decorated Irish mixed martial martial artists bring over Roger Huerta and let's have a dance. Let's do it. Let's do it. Why not? Why not? Give Paul his Jews. He'll put a good performance on as he always does, brings a crowd in, puts eyes, you know, on the cage here in Ireland, and that's what they want. And Paul's a guy who deserves that as well. So I'm 100% down with that. Yeah, and yeah, just to see this one jumped out with me as well. Alexander Kay Lee, the great, the badass of MMA fighting, he has released an article with your good friend Duke Rufus,

and I don't know if you saw this about Dan Hardy wanting to return against Anthony Pettus that's a big fight. It'll be a huge fight for London. Yeah, no, it would. Listen, many times we heard this in Dan, though, about him returning and then, you know, something's, you know, happened where he...

Yeah, where it hasn't come together, yeah. ...frewishance. So I don't know about that. I don't know if Pettis would have much interest in that. Petis, obviously, you're supposed to fight Cowboy, the UFC pulled that because Cowboys going to be fighting Conner, so... What?

Yeah. So that's, you know, I take that with a pinch of salt. from you know I'm sure Hardy is interested but I'm not sure Cam Rufus would be too down on that

here I just want to say fair play to Dan Hardy for going after a fight like that like I mean it wasn't so long ago that people were saying he should entertain the Mickey Galfoy

to go in against Anthony Pettis is outrageous man it is outrageous but it would listen we don't know where Dan's at in his career

or how good he would be if he made a comeback interest levels for me well oh yeah I think that would be a great fight for London honestly I do

I think that would be yeah there'd be there'd be there'd be there'll be eyes on it but

I just don't know I don't know I don't know imagine he goes in a beat's best yeah yeah I do he's right back in there

but I feel uncomfortable watching Dan come back would you yeah just because he's been out

for so long I don't know I don't know it turned a bit of a freak show like some how long has you oh my god

how dare you how dare you he must be five years man yeah I don't know I mean I feel like

he's always trained it was um it was an issue. It wasn't to do with his taking damage from fighting essentially is where he stopped.

To Peter Carlin, Hardy. You haven't been in there in a while. He's not ready for that, man. No, right, fair enough. First final one here. Nordine de Lib says his next fight will be his last. You know, he kind of flew under the radar there,

but how good would it be to see Nordian Talib his last fight ever being the UFC's first fight card in France? Yeah. That'd be a good idea. Against Paul Pogberg or someone like that. Is he minding these days, Namer?

Like, listen, yeah. We'll get him a Knicks there. Don't worry. Yeah, no, listen. Yeah, why not? Why not? I'm sure France is in their, you know, quarterly EMEA program next year.

So I'd imagine they'll be doing something there. And yeah, listen, why not? Go out with a bang in his native France. Yeah, I mean, he's put on some great fights over the years, you know? He really has. He's got some serious knockouts, Eric Silva, Danny Roberts. He folded up a few lads. I think he's just won in his last four win.

So maybe it's time. and just to have a little chat here about the whole notion of McGregor returning I have a few talking points for you to to help me get through here in oil I'm happy that Seroni because I was worried that it would be Frankie Edgar that's just honestly look I know that Frankie's a legendary fighter

a brilliant a brilliant guy across many divisions but for Connor to match with Edgar after Edgar announced that he's going to band him way and now to see this fight being announced at Welterway that would have been a crazy fight tonight Well, Frankie was always, for me, and this is the greatest respect to Frankie. I'm one of his biggest fans and admirers ever. I've loved watching the guy over the years.

Frankie was being used if Connor could have got that fight as a potential statement. That's how I look at it. People might find that disrespect to Frankie, but Frankie isn't the same fighter he was a number of years ago. And I think Connor, in terms of size, would have gone through him. I think Cowboy is a much maybe... not tougher matchup I'm saying

it's where we want to see Connor you know at 155 at 170 I'm not I'm not sure he's more or less there thereabouts you know it's probably just a weight issue between the two of them and they've said fuck it let's throw down 170 but I do like the cowboy fight and I think it's a lot more open

maybe a lot more is it more competitive how do you feel about it? I feel like it's more competitive seroni's fought a couple of the best guys at lightweight in his last two fights even though he's lost I mean he was in there with the best guys um I think the one 70 thing is more to go along with his route back to that Habib fight. If you remember at that Russian breastconference, he said he was going to fight one fight in January. That's obviously against Seroni at 170 now.

And then he was going to go and try and fight the winner of the BMF title, who is now a Horeim as well. That's also a 170 fight. And then he'll go down to 155 to 5 to 5. So I just guess it kind of makes more sense to rather than go from 155 up to 170, and then back to 155, he's going to go 170, 175. Do we look at the outcome of the cowboy foot, the way, you know, cowboy fights, the way Connor fights.

Do we look at this as like maybe Darren Till against Cowboy in terms of striking? It's a size difference won't be the same. But, like, I feel like it's a winnable fight, but it still stays in the realm of being competitive fight. You know, it's the most competitive fight. No, it's not the most competitive fight, but it is still competitive. It is still competitive. There's permutations on the outcome of the results. Yeah, I do.

I agree with that. And, yeah, listen, I'm excited for it. But if he does. doesn't beat Soroni, it's very bad news. Oh yeah, it's, it's, it's, you know, where do you go from here? Like, let's be honest. There goes the three-long plan. Like, I mean, if you can't get boys, Seroni, you're done.

But one thing I think that, that Connor will, will be thinking about in terms of his match-up is the fact that Seroni didn't have the mental fiber for a long time, you know, for the very, very top, for the very, very biggest fights, for the, for the title, for the fights just before the title, he always fell. Yeah, I was at the half the Al-Fial de Sanias. by the Florida and even said it you know he McGregor whether you like him or not at the height of his power was one of the most mentally resilient fighters I mean I watched a man hobble around

a mansion for a month before he went and beat up Mendez that time he's unbelievably mentally strong at his best well I think that's the major issue going to be going into this how is he going to bounce back from being in the spotlight and let's be honest he's not a very light human being at the moment

or individual have we said it on sport heals like I mean it does it doesn't deal from all you got to do is win sports fans are fickle and i'm not saying that everybody will do a 180 if he beats saroni but no i don't think i think here is the i think the american audience are the ones that he'll probably gain more traction back with you instead of being here in ireland but i think that's a massive massive interesting factor and uh thing to watch out for heading up to this fight is how he responds to it and how he copes with that that pressure because

it's going to be totally different we've never seen this before we've seen a connor mcgregor who's being loved by his fans and it's not going to be that way certainly not i feel like this is more likely to see him looking good in this fight because it's going to be fought in his wheelhouse to more of an extent than the habibman i mean if you listen back to all the criticisms coner made of his camp it was all about the um the fact that you know he didn't spend enough time striking doing what he was best at um i think a fight with serrani you got to be prepared for a striking contest there so i do feel as though this is a fight where he can look better yeah he did against I am worried from what he said in that obviously interview with Ariel Helwani about, you know,

there seemed to be a lot of resentment towards John Kavanaugh and healing their relationship and some of the words that he said there. I'm quite worried about that for him in Fai Camp as well. You know, that's something that has to be cleared. I think it is. Like, I mean, I feel like every time John's been asked now, he said he would be back and there was a while there where he goes, well, he'd say something like, well, I haven't heard anything different, you know, I haven't heard anything on the contrary.

So I think him saying, yes, I'm going to be there is a lot. more solid. From what I've heard, Owen Roddy will be in the camp. I saw an interview that popped up with him just two weeks ago with Farah from M.A. Junkie where he said he'd be there. So, yeah, I'm sure there probably was a big

kind of sit down and a chat about it, but I don't think we'll hear too much about that. Yeah, I'm sure we won't. But they've got to learn lessons from that last camp. If it was that far away from why he wanted, they've got to learn lessons. Yeah, well, that's why you know, in terms of maybe going down that route again, I would have looked differently and I've set it openly

in the past but listen who am I to question where he goes I guess yeah I guess it's yeah I mean it was obviously an option as well but I just don't think he wants to leave Ireland yeah I'd imagine so this is one thing that I noticed since this fight has been announced obviously Leon had already

said that he wanted to fight Tyron Woodley on the Co-main event of that card Darren Till has also come out and said he wants to fight the Co-main event we've already lost potentially lost Arnold Allen because of that Josh Emma fight if either of those fights goes as the Co-main of that it's going to have serious ramifications of the UFC London.

Yeah. Because I mean, as soon as UFC London was announced, those are the two fights people were saying, Till v. Whitiger, Leon v. Woodley. Well, I think if they don't do one of them, they're going to get a big backlash from the fans. Oh, yeah, they've got to do one. At least, and especially after the card...

I think it would be very wishful thinking to get two of them, you know? Yeah, but I think after the card last year as well where people were quite excited about the matchups, and, you know, all the matchups on paper were real competitive fights, and the card wasn't as amazing as maybe it could have been in terms of the matchups themselves. But they have been getting better. They have been getting better.

But they're expecting that. Yeah. That's what they want. If they don't get that, there's going to be uproar. So expect a backlash UFC if you don't make those fights. And I love Leon's tweet there yesterday. I will be world champion in 2020. Yeah, he's a...

Listen, man, how do you say he won't be from what he's done? He looks great, man. He's just very great, great kind of mentality for this whole game as well. It doesn't really seem to get too worked up about things. Sometimes I'm more worked up about a situation than he is, I think. But just fine. Just finally, I want to, you know, dare we speak of it, Habib v. Tony. Is this, what's bigger?

For us, I think, Abed V. Tony, right? The Dyerhard fans are going to, they want Habib v. Tony. But when you think about the sport, you think about the UFC, it's more important that McGregor's coming back for them. Is it? For UFC? Is it any more? Khab is a big, big star man.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. But, I mean, the pay-per-view boys from his last fight to his fight to his fight with Connor is significant. Yeah, yeah, listen, I'm sure it is, and it's in terms of the match-up, but I think a lot of people even know who Tony Ferguson is now, just since the build-up over the last couple of years. And I think, man, you know, I don't have cursed again. I'm probably not going to go this time because I found out when I was out in the piss the Saturday beforehand. I went over that Tony was out. I was absolutely devastated. It's a fight for the ages.

It's one of those ones, man. We've been looking forward to, I don't know. God knows how long the four times it has fell out previous. But in terms of numbers, man, you've got to look into what Connor's done in the last number of months as well. over to Russia. Why has he gone there? There's a reason behind this because Khabib is the man at the moment. So, it is going to be fascinating.

And Tony Ferguson's been thrown in the mix in the last year as well in terms of the social media traction and things like that. It's all fascinating, but I'm still going to have to go, Tony. Wow, wow. I was just going to close this conversation. I'm getting too excited. Let's do quick predictions now for both of those fights and then we'll do

it the week that they fight again. Right, so you're going Tony. I'm going Tony late, late. So, fourth, fifth round. actually agree with me there, put out a pole, who they reckon the early money's on it. Actually, to be honest you, mate, a lot of people are picking Ferguson, I think was 50, I'll tell you exactly now, it's right here. There's going to be a lot of unhappy people

on April 18th because it's Habib for me. Habib's just going to decision them. 53% of people. But more importantly, right, so I'm going to be, you're going, Tony. Does it actually happen this time? Yeah. Yeah, I think so too.

And I'll tell you a fascinating, another really interesting buildup to this fight. that fight man we've had two and two guys have pulled out about four times imagine what they're going to be thinking in the final week of that fight and how they're going to control those nerves

the anxiety is this going to happen because we put together five times now and so 80% fail rate it's mental keeping them as far away from Tiramaseau as he possibly can't and TV studios as well sunglasses no no way but man that is I think fascinating

how those lads are going to deal and I think we're in for a sensational fight week and build up to that car if it happens. Connor v. Serroney, who wins? Connor. Yeah, I'm confident enough. I think it's going to turn out a lot like Darntail

fighting in terms of the stand-up. I can see. And he's just got to. Like, as I said when he was fighting a babe, there's no shame in me fighting, losing the best guy in the world. And I don't think even a decision. I think he has to go out here and make a statement.

He has to stop him, yeah. I don't think he's going to look good if it goes five rounds, to be honest. No, he won't. He won't. Because, listen, Cowboys, you know, I sort of questioned them as well over the last last year, you know, really, is he in there for the right

reasons? Please, no more bottles of proper 12 besides cans of Budweiser, yeah, I don't see that shite either. So, yeah, I'm interested. I am going to go with Conard, I think he, I think he'll have enough to finish Cowboy within two to three rounds. It wasn't a very action-packed week last week in MMA, apart from, like really all those announcements were the main events of the shows, because there was no fucking main events and there was no shows, but it was nice to have a weekend off as well. Wouldn't you agree, Noel?

Yeah. We'll talk about it later on. Yeah, I mean, it's, it was the only thing really worth talking about last weekend was Polaris and Wales. And quite an all-star cast they drew out. I was watching the Raptors video coverage of the Rockhill boat there against Nick Rodriguez. Unfortunately, it wasn't a good night for the MMA charges. Marston Held, Gilbert Burns and Luke Rockall all leaving with losses. Michelle Nicolini from one championship got a win.

one of the best in the world of course but yeah we really don't have a lot to talk about so yeah there was nothing on but we will get we'll get on to our second interview of the day it's with KSW middleweight champion

Scott Ascombe and I felt this was a really really great interview from Scott because you can tell that there's a lot of you know although he's extremely happy with KSW it feels as though there will be a lot of options opening up to him like I mean a four-fight win streak since he left the UFC. He's devastated

all the Polish guys in the KSW ranks. He's fighting the king of all the middleweights in Europe, Mr. Mahmed Khaled off this weekend. And, you know, after that, where do you go with Wisconsin? London coming up as well. Well, UFC, London there, yeah. I mean, I did ask him about his contract. He didn't want to get

into that, which is understandable. A lot of fours don't like talking about that stuff. I doubt that it's going to be next fight situation where he can go anywhere. I doubt that it's, like, you know, that he really even wants to go anywhere else at the moment. But But we're going to chat to Scott here ahead of that big fight with Mamad Kaladoff, which is one of the biggest fights of the weekend without a doubt.

So we'll be back in about 15 minutes and then we'll break down the KSW card and, of course, the USC, Washington, D.C. card. So see you in about 15. As advertised, we are now joined by KSW middleweight champion, the resurgent Scott Ascombe, who has finally got the fight he has been waiting for under the KSW banner against the legendary Mahmad Kaldov, who he takes on. in the main event this weekend in Lewis Poland. Scott, this is the one that seems to have gotten away from you at one stage,

but now it's finally happening. How good does it feel? This is a huge, huge fight. Yeah, he said to sneak away from me. I can remember actually doing an interview when he lost to Nacoon the first time. And I said it looks like he's going to have two losses in a row. But he managed to get the rematch, so that fight never. materialised and then he retired

so I thought it were done with but I kept hearing people say that he's still training and stuff so I didn't totally believe that he'd retired do I mean so that's why I gave him a call out after the last fight I expected to be for the belt obviously

I came and took the belt he was the champion but for whatever reason they don't want a challenge for the belt I'm not focusing too much on that I've got my thoughts on that I love his force on that, but it's not for a belt. That's not my decision. So here we are.

It's a three-round main event, and excited to be a part of it. You mentioned there about the belt. I know, I know you said you have theories what he didn't want it. I mean, is it for you? Is it the five-round thing that annoys you? Like, I mean, would you prefer it five rounds? I mean, or is it just the whole idea of defending the title that you've won that he has formally held? What is it for you that's kind of, um, that...

that is most disappointing about not fighting for the belt. Yeah, well, the main reason I don't think he wanted it is because he didn't want five rounds. He said that he said in interviews that he didn't want to feel the pressure to defend the title if he won, but he never defended title anyway. He had more catchweight fights than anybody I've ever known. I don't think he ever defended it. I think it was like 2016 last time he defended it.

He can come without excuses. I think five rounds suits me. I think he knows that. It definitely doesn't suit him. But here's where it is. I've got the fight I wanted. It's over three rounds. And I don't know.

It always leaves the door open for the rematch for the title as well, doesn't it? So it doesn't put me in a bad position. Obviously, carried off the star. We all know that. He's the... He's the guy, let's say, I mean, in the division that everybody wants to fight. So I've got my opportunity and I am.

Yeah, look, I mean, where do you, Ray Kelladoff? Because I hear, like, I mean, he is a legend, a European fighting legend, a guy who many people feel is probably in that conversation to be one of the greatest fighters who never fought in the UFC. And I know a lot of European fighters had their eyes on this guy over the years, maybe in the early, early dawn, when we didn't have that such an influx of European, UK and Irish guys into the UFC but did you

were you aware of Khaled off's career for a long time Scott like I mean how do you view him in terms of challenges you've taken like is this one of the biggest fights of your life so far would you say yeah on paper I definitely think it's the biggest fight in my career so far but I say that about all the fights

you know I mean like as each fight as each fights comes I feel like it's the biggest fight of my career they're all big moments do I mean you fight You're fighting for a life in there every time you get in. So they're all big fights.

But, yeah, Caledoff's got some big names on his resume. He's definitely the biggest star in Europe that's never been signed to the UFC. The only person I can think who's bigger whenever went to the UFC is... Fedor. Fedor. Yeah. He's always in then conversations. I've looked at guys his beat.

Obviously, I've seen some of guys his beat. Obviously, I've seen some of guys his beat. I can see why he's got that status, do I mean? But make no mistake about it, it's... I've said it's my time, and it really is. I'm coming in here riding a four-fights, win streak. My last three fights, I've finished them all. So, how can you not be confident, do I mean?

But I'm not underestimating nobody. I've just got totally belief in myself. where I am mentally the gym I'm at and everything I feel like it's time to make a statement that I want to cut too early from the UFC you know I've got to

I had to win I mean I had to win them fights and I didn't win the UFC and I'm not bitter about getting caught it's my own fault for not winning but when I did get caught I'd lost the split decision Brad Scott And I lost a split decision here to Bradley Scott

when I'd my first fight at ATT, do I mean? In that fight, it was the most significant strikes had landed in all the UFC fights. So the changes were starting to be seen, do I mean? And they know that were in antibiotics

because I thought we staffed it, I mean. Like, that is the only fight. I wore Vallitudo shorts. I wore Valchudo shorts to cover the staff. like but here's what it is I got cut and I've had great opportunities since leaving the UFC I mean and

the ball the momentum just kept going and getting bigger and bigger and the ball's still rolling and made no doubt about it Saturday night I'll continue to roll as well yeah 100% I agree with absolutely everything you said I remember a lot of people being up in arms when you were cut from the UFC

and really to be honest Scott your performances so far under the KSW banner have completely highlighted your claim and underlined it. You know, with three, as you said, three stoppage wins in a row now. You had them two beautiful kicks to the body, the flying knee against Matera last time out.

That just has me thinking, right? When I'm looking at all the bodies you're stacking up here, and if Mamad Kaladoff joins that list of bodies that you've stacked up, where does that leave you in this division? Because you've essentially cleared it out, right? Like, I mean, that is the only, like, as you say, it does leave the possibility of the title fight open. And again, because the total fight isn't on this time.

But if you beat Haladoff, you've effectively beaten every wordy middleweight they have to offer there, right? Yeah, I'm sorry now, a big smile on my face, just thinking about it, do I mean? Like, like, like you say, if I take Khalido out, you know what I mean, like TKO, I've looked at this guy's record. He's not been TKO since like 2004, do I mean? Jesus. I was still watching MMA on Bravo back then. I want even training MMA, do I mean?

This guy's been around a long time. But honestly, my style now, if you watch my style now, compared to the UFC, it's just a totally different style of fighting. Steve Bruno has made me a volume striker, he's made me believe me himself, he's made me a killer.

And I'm also happy about my last fight when I won the title, how that actually went, you know what? because people got to see a bit more on my old game, you know what I mean? Like, well, putting strikes together and everything, even my ground games, do I mean? I feel like I'm a complete fighter now

and fighting me over three rounds or five rounds are going to be dangerous, you know what I mean? I feel like I've got a style that does win rounds. I've also got a style that does take your people out as well. And I feel like I'm getting them TKOs more because I'm not actually looking for them. I'm not looking to,

to land with mass power in each shot, do I mean? But when they keep adding up, it takes away that gas, and it also wears and tears on you. And I feel like in that last fight, it showed that. And ultimately,

I got the finish. Yeah, I mean, it's crazy, impressive to see what you're doing, man. I mean, it's amazing to watch you these days. You look fantastic. I feel like a lot of people

will favor you going into this fight, despite the fact that Mahmad, it is the legend that he is. But, I mean, what we talked about there, like, I mean, if you do stop him, as you, as you plan to, I'm sure, I mean, the fact that he's just been up there fighting Narkoon, like, you're not a small person by any means, you're not a small middleweight, you're a very big dude. Would that ever appeal to you to move up and maybe fight Narkoon or someone like that? I know your good friend, Phil, the Free's a great success against him.

But again, Phil is, again, a few echelons up on the size scale, again, you know? So where would you Where would you kind of see that fight? Yeah, like, and Nacu moved up to every way for that fight and I'm sure he waited at like 2 40. I mean, Nacu's a big guy. He's a big fucking dude.

I mean, I've stood aside of him. He's a big dude. Ultimately, I'll sit down with my management and I'm sure we'll make the right decisions. Yeah. But for now I'm in the middle way. When I thought Luke Barnett, he was trying to get him in fire at light every way.

But I just thought, I told him on my middleweight. I'll fight all my career at middleweight. But money talks ultimately, do I mean? So let's just, let's get this win, let's say, and then we'll take it from there. But I would never rule it out. I think being a two-weight champion,

it would be a massive achievement, especially against a champion like Narcone, has been unstoppable at that light of way division. And it brings some different problems to solve as well. yeah absolutely no i couldn't agree with you more and i'm just wondering i mean i don't know if there's something that you can disclose scott but i mean do you have many fights left on on your current deal with ksw i mean does it automatically go up if you become a champion and you how the bell does that add fights to your contractor what's the situation there yeah like like you say i don't really know

myself what i can and can say you know i mean yeah yeah i don't want to say anything i shouldn't but ultimately I'm happy at KSW, do I mean? I'm happy here. I'd like to think, I would like to think that I'll end my career here. I'll say that openly, but I wouldn't ever close any doors either,

do I mean? This is price fighting. I want to make as much money as I can before I retire. So, I'm always open to offers, do I mean? I've said this KSW and I'm sure they're aware,

but I am more than happy to end my career. I would imagine that's what I'll do. Amazing, yeah, and look, they've been fantastic, and I feel like they've built you into this situation. You're in fantastically well. You look amazing there. But, I mean, just because you said it earlier, and because so many people say it,

they say, this is not the Scott Ascombe that was in the UFC. He is a completely different animal now. He's a completely different fighter. And every time you put on one of these performances, you can see people fantasy matchmaking in their head. Like, what if he went in there against disco? from the UFC, is there still a part of you because it maybe didn't go the way you wanted it to go to Forrest Time and as you say, you've changed so much as a fighter from then, is there any part of you that would love the opportunity to go back there?

Or is that something you've just closed the book on that chapter? No, like, I haven't closed no book, do I mean? Like I said, I'd happily end my career at CaseW, but that is pretty much like what you've just said is correct. Do I mean? Like, there's a part of my mind that I always want to prove to myself, do I mean?

But I don't know. It'd have to be the right time for me. But I just, like I say, for now, I'm focusing on KSW and what they're doing. But who knows in the future,

do I mean? It's, I don't know. I know what you're going to, I'm not trying to put you in a hard at a tough position, but I know what you mean you don't want to

I understand what you're trying to say I mean like but like I don't know it's like the UFC didn't go my way that I've got a lot of opportunities because of being a UFC fighter I mean so I got no regrets towards the UFC

and what happened there and then cutting me and stuff I understand myself that I was supposed to win but I feel like because I was UFC fighter that's led me down a good path and I'm just I'm just rolling away and enjoying journey basically I'm happy where I'm at

and I'm gladly I'm glad to end my career yeah it's an amazing not to remember now I'm getting a bit long in tooth as well

do I mean like I'm 31 years old like I'm 31 years old Scott well I know I know when you compare it to people I'm married I mean it's not old

but look at people look at people who are fighting now loads of people are younger than me and yeah like I'm not saying I'm ancient or anything

but fucking you've got to start thinking towards the end of your career, aren't you, don't I mean? Like, it does become a point where you think, right, how many more fights have I got left?

Do I mean? I'm already thinking that. Like, like, when I first started fighting, I thought 38 were a good age, do I mean, I still think that's a good age

to end my career. That's only seven years away, you know what I mean? Like, I'm over halfway through my career, my professional career now, let's say, do I mean?

So, fuck knows i don't even know where i'm going it now i don't know where i'm going in this conversation no no i understand what you mean i do and and it's it's probably a good thing that you are thinking like that already but but it's been an amazing story right that's just just final question you know you fill the freeze also have norman park winning the interim title there the last time around this this kind of um a few uk guys going in there and absolutely taking these polish stars to task. It's been amazing to watch. Is it a good to be part of that? I mean, I feel like the UK numbers are bigging up every time when guys like you or Phil compete, you know?

Yeah, yeah. It's amazing. I see some comments on Instagram and I don't get into it too much when I see them. Like I see some people at the fans saying, all these guys are coming from the UFC and taking these Polish guys out. But they're forgetting that the UFC fighters that some of their Polish stars have beat I mean, like, look at Matera, for example, he beat Usama Polaro, Tioago, Kendall Grove, like, it'd be some massive

stars who came from UFC, don't I mean? Like, like, we're just having big success over there, and Norman, to be fair had success in the UFC, he had an amazing record in UFC, me and Phil, not so much, but

Phil were battling his own demons and he's got that under control, and obviously my move to ATTs made that story for me, I mean, but yeah, I'm just happy to be involved in these conversations and enjoying the ride, let's say.

Yeah, it's amazing, Scott, and it's been amazing to watch you, of course, and I can't thank you enough for coming on the show again, and I really can't wait for this for it's a huge, huge fight for European MMA, and I hope you can put on another stellar showcase, as you have been ever since you first walked into that K-HCR.

SW Kage, Scott. Thank you so much again. Thank you very much. Thanks for having me. All the best, man. Talk to you after the fight. Yeah, we'll speak after the fight. Nice one. Thanks for a man. See you, see you, bye, bye, boy. And it was great to speak to Scott Ascom. And we'll be looking at that KSW 52 card in just a few minutes. But first, we have to have a look at this Overeem v. Rosenstruck card.

What do you think, Noel? First kind of look at the card here. What do you reckon? I think it's not bad. It's one of their better sort of fight-now cards. I think it's more name-heavy than actually mass. matchup heavy. There's a lot of people there. You can obviously look out for Aspen Lad coming off that Holly Home debacle. You've Cody Stam and then you've Ricky Simone. Is it not the Jermaine Durandami fight that Aspen Ladd's coming off the knockout? Sorry, that one. The dodgy decision. Not a dodgy decision. You got knocked out.

Yeah, but it was a bit. I don't think so. But still, I get yeah, it's a big fight for Aspen. I can only imagine that you're going to be delighted to see Stefan's true of stepping out of retirement to face Ben Rottwell. Stop. Was he previously retired also Ben Rotwell? No. Ben was sort of just... Sidelined by he was Adda. Yeah, exactly.

So Ben's back-up. Actually, he's training in Rufusport a fair bit as well. So that's going to be interesting to see. Yeah, listen, Stefan, I'm not mad on that. Ricky Simone, it's going to be interested to see him bounce back as well, if he can. Yeah, there's some good fights. Tiago Alves Tim Means. That's a bit of a baron,

Yeah, it is actually. But let's most importantly, from European point of view, the main event here, Alistair Overeign, and Gersino Rosenstruck. Obviously, it was supposed to be Walt Harrison, who tragically has lost his daughter. Yeah, condolences as well. Oh, absolutely. Horrific story. Absolutely awful. One of the big tragedies in the sport this year. A horrible, horrible situation there altogether. Lucky that Gersino could step in and take this opportunity. But, you know, this is, this should be a pretty spectacular main event based on

what Gersino's been doing in the UFC and of course Alster Overheim's unbelievable striking accolades over the years. Yeah, definitely 100%. And I think it is. It's going to be the first real test for him. Obviously he's 3 and 0 in the UFC, I think what 9 and 0 his career. But it is. Let's be honest

man. He fought And I don't have to keep harping on about Andrea Arlovsky, but like you love him, man. This is a proper test. What do you mean? Like, come on. Stop it. What are you trying to say on?

Just stop it. Arlovsky should have possibly called it a day. But listen, when you're facing a guy like Alastair Overeem and you really haven't faced that level of opposition in your mixed martial arts career, I think it's going to be tough. He's a very, very tough fighter. As Sergei Pavlovich, right? There you go, exactly. Yeah. You know, he came in.

He's great. Looks like a great fighter. Looks like a great fighter. But listen, I think Overeem's going to have the tools there. He's impressed me in his last two outings as well. Obviously, against Alvlovich. Olinick as well, that win. Alastair's a beast man, and he's a very, very tough guy to read.

And I think this is going to be a major, major problem for the Eurubin here coming in and trying to work out over him. I think over him just can be able to pick him off. And I think he's done that. And he's underestimated on the ground as well. Sometimes he could just take lads down and say, look. He topped out steep Emmy Oachich. Absolutely.

Steve A.com. Look at him the replay. That's one of the greatest moments ever. It's underappreciated as a mixed martial arts moment. Calvio v. Marina Rodriguez there in the Comrade event, but Struve v. Rotwell, I mean, what if Struve does win here from a European perspective? I mean,

he's right back up in the... His Arsus is right in the Butchers Block, really, if you're a heavyweight, right? And you just bet Ben Rotwell. You're probably going to get a very stringent test after that. Yeah, butchers' block quite literally, because he's not winning a title or coming anywhere near winning a title any time soon or ever.

We don't know how much he's evolved since the last time he saw him, no. Peter, just just shut up. Yeah, I I think it'll be a good fight. I do fancy Ben Rothwell. I think Ben's boxing, a lot, a lot of Krasper than Stefan Streaves.

And, yeah, listen, I'm not really excited about it. I'm not going to lie, as you've probably heard my voice. But there is some good fights on the card, but I'm obviously most notably looking forward to allister over him. And just seeing,

I'm seeing as well what Rosenstruck really is, if this test, if he can live up to it. But I am going to pick over him. I don't see how you can't pick against him. Just there on Kunitzkoya versus Ladd. Good fight. Kunitzkaya is. a two-fight win streak.

I don't expect it to cause Ladd much problems, but I believe that she's probably facing Ladd in the best time she could have asked for coming off that lost to Durandami, right? Yeah, definitely, and I think... If it's ever going to happen, it's going to happen now. Yeah, and I think Aspen has said she's conquered these weight issues problems as well.

That's going to be really interesting to see this week because, you know, we've had some hairy moments with Aspen getting on the scales. Yeah, it probably is a good time. See where she is at mentally, if she's that bounceback ability, I think she does. I think she's a strong young female fighter and someone we can

potentially be a world champion in the coming years. She's that good. Yeah, I'm just going to mention one fight outside the European spectrum. Yadong Song v. Cody Stamen. Oh yes. Yadong Song. We thought he was a teenager.

He isn't actually a teenager. He's about 21. All Twitter was going fucking mad about that. You legends. Here's Yadong. Yadong is fighting Cody Stamman. That is a tough, tough fight. That's the hardest fight.

He's had since he came in here. Stamming across the man who beat Tom Dukinwa. You will remember? It's probably fighting the night honors there. Yeah, it could be brilliant. Well, the one you mentioned as well, Ricky Simone and Rob Fond, that's an incredible fight as well.

Tim Means and Elvis. I think Alves at the height of his career could have given Tim Means a great fight. I just feel like Tim Eans is too rough too... So I thought Tim Inns retired. Maybe he did, man. They all... They've all retired, haven't they?

Jesus Christ, I don't know anymore. But listen, it's actually not a bad fight night card. I think it's, as we said there, very sort of name heavy. And Matt Wyman's going to be in there as well. Is he? Yeah, on the card. That seems to be a good note to move on to KSW 52 on Saturday night. I'm really excited about this.

Scott Ascombe and Mamad Kaladoff, would this be actually the last fight we see Mamad Kaladoff fighting? He likes to announce retirements and then not actually follow through with them. So that's a big, big fight. Also, you have Olympian Damien, Damien. Anakowsky there against Kalecki, two Olympians in the Comain event. But, man, I'm not going to lie. One of my favorite prospects on planet Earth, Saladin Panas, is fighting Ivan Butchinger for the 145 title on this. And I cannot wait for that fight.

That is absolutely incredible. If Saladin Pannas beats Ivan Butchinger, as he has with everyone else that has been put in front of him, I don't know what else to say. I've been screaming it from the rooftops for two years now. This man is incredible. If he does this, I mean, I don't know if there is a better guy. guy to sign if you were the UFC if you're going to go to France next year that is the dude you've just cursed him he's not getting signed he's not a hope now after you saying that you know on the agenda setter here when I say things it happens that's the way it goes it is going to be interesting and I think

you know booching her man we know we know we know what that guy can do as well he's a bad motherfucker yeah it's a huge test it is a huge test and listen kSW delivering the goods again should be a should be a solid ale contest on a Saturday night and call I can't wait for this card and ask him is a another cracker yeah Scott Ask him If he does this The biggest win of his career Without a doubt, right? Yeah

I mean Easily And as we said earlier on You know We don't know the situation With his contract But if UFC Have any brains

And they're looking at him People are going to be Very very interesting To see if Scott ask him In London If he can overcome The legend that is Caladov He's a different guy now

Look like he's so different Look like It's an onslaught Like as soon as he's in there It looks like the other person's Immediately uncomfortable It's like what the fuck is wrong with this dude and why does he keep elbow me in the face i think ask him is one of

those guys and like i think people i'll tell you people probably oh very good i think people can um you don't see how disinterested no it wasn't that was just dreadful uh they're they're they're they're my kind of jokes you know i'd use them and disgusted with that i am disgusted i it's actually set me off my point i was just saying ask him's only what 32 years of age he actually looks at 31 and he starts going to me like oh i'm getting old i'm like you're younger than me man fucking whippersnapper. Like, I hate these twats that say that, right? Oh, Scott.

I call you a twat. You'll do none. My God. I'm terrified for you. I think people think he's older than he is. That's what I'm about to say to you there. And I think he's one of these guys that come back to the UFC and make a real statement because, you know, he has.

He's shored up many areas in his game. Scott asks him to be Darren Till. Do it. Fuck it. I'll watch it. I'll take it. I'll take it. But listen, yeah, I think the sky is the limit here for him.

if he beats Kaladov and Saturday in terms of going back towards UFC and getting that second shot at it. Absolutely. Two great cards.

Two great cards with European interest this weekend. I don't think Bellator back until December 20th or something. Yeah, it's a bit of a break. Cage Warrior is obviously

done for the year. So yeah, we have just a few things to get through before we say goodbye to 2019. This weekend, Nile,

I watched the Irishman and I went out for a few drinks with my friends there was a man called Dave Meyer playing he was jumping all over the tables and stuff it was very strange but very enjoyable but just just thought it way in the Irishman I thought it was absolutely fantastic nah

listen I'm gonna try and watch it again but it just felt like I've seen this whole thing before it just felt very too familiar it actually when I was watching I was going like do you know what Noel had a very similar life to Robert De Niro and the Irishman that's what I was thinking growing up in Georgetown town. Oh yeah. You know, private schools. I mean, playing, playing on the S.

Such a dick. Back, captain, by the way. Let's get that one in there. Just like Robert De Niro was the captain of industry for the mob. You were the captain of industry for privileged south-side children. Get all the kids, get all the chicks back in a day. Not anymore. He hit a sexual peak when he was 14. I wouldn't get that far now, but yeah. All right. Yeah, it was good. Listen, I will watch it again. I fell asleep watching it, but I was that board. Jesus Christ.

It's just you people, you millennials, you're so used to like, you know, quick information. Quick information. I'll take that as a compliment. You can't develop.

Calling me a millennial. You know, you have short attention spans. You can't, you don't, the art of storytelling is lost on you people. Yeah.

No, it's not. You better see Logan Paul getting smashed up in a boxing ring or something. Oh yeah, I tuned into that. Get the fuck out of everyone

watching that garbage. But, yeah, listen, I'll give it another go. I will, definitely. Oh, yeah. I was in the centre the other day

and I got chatted up by a girl who worked in a shop, a shoe shop and I rang a line straight after I was so happy with myself.

To all my friends. I believe I am reaching the pinnacle of my attractiveness right now. You sure this isn't for another podcast that you do? No, no,

no, this happened. I went in and I bought a pair of shoes and then she was like chatting away to me and I was kind of just talking shit and she started asking me what I was doing tonight, blah, blah, blah.

I was always going to knock a going to knock a few more euros off this for you, blah, blah, Our listeners are going to be very ill after this. I was like, oh, yeah, that's it. Then I only realised at the very end what was happening, and then I got really awkward.

I'm not very good at this chatting up business. Yeah, I think you probably miss. She's a whippersnapper as well. Like, that's why I didn't think it was going to happen. I was like, she's... I find it funny when my mates are... Sorry, she's one of my tongue, but she's here confusing me now here. I find it confusing, sorry, when my mates get shot up.

Maybe they find it confusing. Oh, I was very confused. Because I can't read the situation, right? No, she's just been friendly, lads. There's a difference. You didn't get chatted up. But then I realized, I realized, I rang a lion after, and she was like, I told her because I was so happy with myself.

I fucking ed. You know, rang all my mates, told them, told me ma, tell me dad. I get chatted up on a daily basis, Pizzi. No, you don't. I do. No, you don't. Have people all around and watching me now. No, you don't.

You had a particularly busy weekend, right? You were in the newsroom by yourself, and then next of all, the Dublin manager decides to call it a day. I'd say you were in a great humor that day Yeah, it was, yeah, and then Sunday as well. It just kept coming. People, you know, our American list is, Gaelic football here is obviously huge,

and Jim Gavin has won five in a row for the Dublin team and six all-arning titles in his tenure. Buggers could only dream about that, like, never going to happen. Yeah, so everyone else outside of Dublin was delighted. Yeah. And it just, you know, the proverbial shit hit the fan. It was just a crazy day. And then Sunday as well, feckin' another managerial.

sacking in the Premier League, just a busy weekend of sport, man. Carl Frampton won as well. Oh, he actually interviewed Jim Gavin the day after he was assigned manager of Dublin for the Gazette. I'll never forget that. And... A very regimented man. As soon as he did that interview after speaking to me, people were like... Oh, he's the chance. That Peter Carroll interview feels like he's the one. Feels like this good going to win five in a row. That's people we're saying. And there it is. So that's why you should always come and talk to us on the Eurobatch. No, it was good.

It was busy we can, but listen, you're better off being busy than fecking, you know, scratching your ars, doing nothing the day goes quicker. Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's not. Absolutely. But, yeah, so this is us clocking off. It's very Christmassy around, isn't it? It is. This is a very Christmasy place, this bestseller. It does, but it feels more, I think, with the choirs down on Grafton Street there, we're right in the heart of Dublin.

Yeah, I mean, it's starting to feel Christmasy all right. Did you watch the late late toy show? No, I don't watch that garbage. It's emotional mess, man. I was crying. Why are we so mad about that shit? I know, Lain wants to watch it, I have to watch it. That's where it goes.

It's absolute. It's beautiful. It was, it was, he hit me with like five sob stories in a row, and I just, I was in bits. Can't handle it, can't watch it, can't do it. I was in blubber and mess. I was watching the Irishman when that was on. The witch? Trying to watch the Irishman when that was on.

The Irish, Irishman? Yeah. All right, all right. You know, you need to schedule your weekend viewing better than that, you know? I don't get to watch much the weekends. is the toy show my friend. Nah.

But, yeah, also I was in Mnute there yesterday in my old college campus. They have all these signs up like, I am Mnuth

and different people who've gone to the university and I'm looking at them all going these aren't as impressive as me. Where was the call there, Mnuth? I can do one of your signs. Shocking.

Shocking. Disgrace. I mean, what do you mean? You don't want to honor someone who covers a sport where people bludging each other for a living?

Like, I mean, what's wrong with you? Yeah, well, that's probably this country. It's my, I don't know. This country is I've just given up with it in many aspects and respects and whatever. Look, Manute, you don't even know. You don't even know, all right?

That's what I'm going to say. I'm offended. It's weird. We don't tend to cover things that are popular in this. Are you not supposed to meet the public demand? I don't know. Well, listen, I'm sick of it. Look, when they're knocking on my mansion of my mansion in 20 years time to fund what's going on on this campus,

it's already forgotten one of its golden sons. That's what I'm going to say. Once you've got to fuck yourself. to do it makes martial arts in Ireland. You're, you know, oh, you're not good enough. You're not experienced enough. That seems to be the general twist of things. But listen, fuck the regime.

Exactly. And there's no better way to leave this episode. Thank you very much to our guests. Thank you very much to Noel McGrath. And thank you very much to all you beautiful people for lending us your ears for an hour to an hour and a half on this beautiful day of the week, whatever day of the week you're listening to it on. Tuesday. Thank you so much.

Well, some people don't listen to on Tuesday. I know people are like, well, I listen to it at 12 o'clock on Thursdays. I'm like, why? It's out on Tuesday. Listen to it on Tuesday. But, yeah, that's all we got for you. The big kiss. We'll see you next week.

We'll see you next week.