Mount Gambier mixed-martial arts fighter Brent Masterman steps into the ring this Saturday in his first AFC (Australian Fighting Championship) fight against Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter Mitch O'Dowd, who has a history of making his opponents submit. Brent admits though, that he's not all too worried about his opponent's history.
"I've been training really hard on neutralising submissions and working equally as hard on my ground game and take down defence, so I'm very confident that will give me the edge to take the win."
The fight will take place this Saturday the 16th, at Melbourne Pavilion as part of AFC10. Local fighter Chris Lindner is also set to debut for the AFC this weekend at the same event.
Brent has been training since he was just a boy. He got his start as many do, through Karate. He later progressed with boxing and kickboxing, before discovering UFC when he was 15.
"As brutal as it sounds, it's very respectful. That's what drew me in further. The whole aspect of many disciplines put into one fight which creates MMA is something I really enjoy."
Having previously been given a few small-time fights, Brent took this opportunity to really push himself further, before getting himself to the point where he was offered a fight in the AFC - a league he has every intention of furthering himself in and gradually climbing the ladder to national or even international recognition.
Though he says it's been a lot of hard work, he admits there's no way this fight would exist if it wasn't for a few certain people.
"I trained locally through Victory Martial Arts Academy. The guy who runs that, Wayne Phillips is also my manager and trainer. Wayne has helped me learn a lot about the ground game, judo for takedown and takedown defence. With a boxing background, i've needed to learn a lot about the ground game. Especially with my opponent having a jiu-jitsu background, he's given me a better understanding of what to expect. My girlfriend who has supported me through all of this, my friends and family. I wouldn't be here doing this if it wasn't for them. Also Trident Tyre Centre who have sponsored me, that was very much appreciated."
"It's taken a long time to get to this point. I've been training at least 2 hours a day, at the gym and the dojo. It's been my dream for years to make it big, and i've been given the chance to get my foot in the door and really prove myself this weekend. Winning this fight would mean all the hard work has paid off, but as they say - a man is only as good as his last fight. It will also mean having to work harder and continue to prove myself in further fights. Hopefully I can do Mount Gambier proud and maybe inspire people who want to live their dreams, and show them that it's achievable."
AFC10 - Saturday August 16th
Melbourne Pavilion
Tickets available here: http://afcmma.com.au/afc_ticket/
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