Ben Goldsborough is all set for his first walk to the octagon of the year at Rise and Conquer 12 and has put everything into his upcoming fight with Jamie Mcglinchey.
Rise and Conquer is set to go down this Saturday at the Rainton Arena in Houghton le Spring, and those attending can expect a fun-filled night of action.
Ahead of fight night, we had the opportunity to catch up with Ben Goldsborough, who’s eager to kickstart his 2023 campaign with a victory.
Interview With Ben Goldsborough
You make the walk this Saturday on Rise and Conquer 12 for the first time this year. How are you feeling just days away?
I feel amazing. I’m just looking forward to making weight, then going out Sunday night and performing.
The last time we saw you in action was December last year when you dropped your first amateur career loss. Talk me through what you feel went wrong and how you dealt with suffering your first loss.
I feel like my own ego has gotten the better of me. I was making similar mistakes in the gym but, in a way, refused to address them. Losing makes you a much more honest individual as you have to look yourself in the mirror and admit that you just weren’t good enough! I dealt with my loss the same way I dealt with winning. I walked back into the gym a day later and got back to work.
2022 saw you go 1-1 as you began your MMA journey. Having had time to reflect, how would you evaluate your first year in competition?
Firstly this really annoys me, as Tapology has screwed me aha. I actually had my first MMA fight in November 2019 against current Scottish number 2 Adam Battley, who I beat in just over a minute. But in regards to 2022, I was happy with it. I would have liked to fight more, but s**t happens.
Ben Goldsborough on Lessons Learned
What would you say from a personal standpoint, the biggest lessons last year taught you, inside and outside the cage?
I believe this applies both in and outside the cage. But working hard isn’t enough. You have to remain grounded and constantly adaptable.
You posted on social media, “this is everything”. Can you elaborate on what you mean by “this is everything”, and does that not put a sense of pressure on your shoulders?
This is everything to me. I sacrificed financial stability, relationships with people, and god knows what else to pursue this full-time. I’m not some little rich kid who can just decide that he’s a ‘fighter’. I’ve had to work so hard to be able to chase this dream, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is all I know and want. There is no pressure. I live for this. I’ll beat Jamie on the 7th of May then it’s back to the gym and proceeding to get better.
Jamie McGlinchey, who’s proved to be a tough nut to crack, will stand in front of you on fight night. How do you feel about the matchup?
I believe the matchup favours me very well. I know that I have too much for Jamie to handle. I have a style that can’t be trained for.
Watching Tape
Jamie is currently riding a three-fight win streak. Have you managed to watch any of his previous fights back? If so, how do you break down his skillset overall? Any areas you’ve identified that you need to be cautious of when in there?
Sure, I’ve watched them. He’s unorthodox on the feet and comes from a great gym in the Griphouse, so I know he offers threats everywhere, so I have to respect that. His last two fights were quick. But I’m better than everyone he’s competed against in his MMA career, that’s for certain.
Finally, let the people know what we can expect to see from a fired-up Ben Goldsborough at Rise and Conquer 12.
Expect to see an incredible performance from myself, I train like a madman all year round, and now you all get to see what I’ve been working on!
Featured image credits to Ben Goldsborough
