Scott Askham on ‘psychological advantage’ ahead of Michal Materla rematch

Scott Askham looks like a new fighter since his UFC exit.

The Brit’s departure from the promotion came in 2017, but his three outings since—most recently a first-round knockout over Marcin Wojcik at KSW 45 in London—have suggested that he has hit a new level.

His first-round stoppage of Wojcik bore striking resemblance to his finish of Polish fan favorite and former middleweight champion, Michal Materla, who he dispatched in the first round of his debut.

Both of his KSW opponents have met their demise via his patented liver kick. Given how emphatic his debut win was over Materla, Askham is confident that he has a “psychological advantage”, ahead of their second meeting in the middleweight tournament final, which has been earmarked for 2019.

“I feel like I’ve got the psychological advantage,” said Askham on the latest episode of Eurobash. “He’s a seasoned fighter, Materla. He’s been around a long time so I think he will be confident. He’s going to come up with a gameplan that nullifies my game.”

Due to the potency of his strikes in their first clash, Askham believes Materla will be shooting for his legs in an effort to force grappling exchanges.

“I think he’s going to be diving for my legs trying to take me to the ground. I’ll be prepared for it all. I’m going to be prepared for a five-round; this is actually my first five-round fight,” he said.

“It will be my first main event show, so I’m going to take it all in my stride and enjoy it like I have been. I’m just really enjoying my fighting at the minute and that’s translating into my [performances]. I’m going to do what I have been doing. There’ll be a little more running because it’s a five-round fight.”

As far as Askham is concerned, he will leave his first KSW title fight with the belt wrapped around his waist.

“I’m fully focused on this. I’m going to be like a steam train on him and that belt is coming home.”

On the latest episode of Eurobash, MMA Fighting’s Peter Carroll chats with Irish UFC veteran Neil Seery about the Irish media’s reaction to UFC 229, Conor McGregor’s performance and the impact it has had on MMA. The Scott Askham interview begins at 22:00.