Ellis Pilkington 0-0-0 is an Amateur Mixed Martial Artist, currently competing in the Bantamweight Division. An Amateur competitor making his debut for Evolution Of Combat 9.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me today. How has training been going in the build-up to your amateur debut?
“No need to thank me mate, more than happy to speak to you! Training has been going well. I felt sharp in sparring recently, focused a lot on the grappling, as I felt my striking was already at a pretty adequate level and I feel like I’ve managed to improve a lot on my wrestling and BJJ defensively and offensively.”
This being your first step into the MMA world, I bet it’s a fantastic feeling. Being around a fantastic atmosphere and wide variety of Mixed Martial Art bouts that EOC brings to the fans must be an amazing feeling?
“Yeah I’ve been to a few of the EOC shows to support teammates and it’s a great atmosphere, super excited to be stepping in now and having the guys supporting me.”
Evolution Of Combat has always put on a huge variety of Mixed Martial Arts Bouts, ranging from grappling and submission only bouts, to MMA Wars spreading across 3 years since its start back in 2018 by the promoter and Former Cage Warriors fighter Dan Hope.
Was MMA always on the cards for your career path or did the interest manifest over time while perfecting your Martial Arts training?
“I started out with some Boxing and then Thai Boxing, but eventually felt MMA was the way to go. I wanted to be a well rounded fighter rather than a savant in one particular style.”
Being a member of the GripHouse Gym and working with such skilled individuals, must be a huge confidence boost for you going into your first bout. Having a phenomenal athlete like Reece McEwan, a veteran for EOC, must have given you a vast knowledge of what to expect?
“Aye, Reece is amazing to work with, anytime I get a chance to spar/roll with someone of his level, I feel it makes the rounds with anyone else a lot easier in comparison.”
Do you see yourself honing your skills with Evolution Of Combat during your amateur career? Or would you like to sample more organisations on your path to the professional circuit?
“Yeah I’d really like to continue working with EOC, but will be happy to fight for any promoter that will have me on, whatever it takes to get the experience I need.”
Your opponent Salah Ayuby, back in July has got to experience what is like being in the cage for UKFC back in July. Have you studied him much in the build up to your debut?
“Not really studying him much to be honest, more focusing on my skill set, to be at a level that I’m ready for anything, rather than spending time thinking about what he’s going to do.”
Last, but not least, have you got a message for the fans in Glasgow and anyone you’d like to give a shout out to?
“The MMA Team at the GripHouse deserves a shout out. I’m very thankful for all the work, they’ve stuck by to help me get ready for this and I’m looking forward to doing the same for them.”
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