Daniel Bainbridge is all set for his professional debut and has a message for fellow bantamweights on the scene.
Bainbridge closed out his amateur career with an impressive 7-2 record. This Sunday at Rise and Conquer 12, he takes the next step in his mixed martial arts journey, and his first test of the pro-scene is Ash Wood.
Ahead of a memorable moment in his career, we had the chance to catch up with Daniel Bainbridge to see where his head was at. Read the full exclusive below.
Interview With Daniel Bainbridge
Days out from making your professional debut at Rise and Conquer 12, it’s a monumental moment in an athlete’s career. How are the excitement levels as we close in on fight day?
I’m pretty excited, but I’m keeping grounded. I know that I can’t let my feelings get in the way, and I just need to do the business come Sunday night.
2019 you made your amateur debut with a win over Keiron Bennet. Could you envision four years later, you’d be making your pro-debut, and the real dream-chasing begins?
I have always had a plan. I feel ever since I walked into the first I ever trained out of FightPit. I always said to my close family and friends I would have been a pro by the time I was 21 or 22. Most laughed, but I was properly serious. I knew I had to move gyms to TFT as it’s the best gym in the northeast. Now I moved, I feel like the work I’ve put in has come to fruition. And now, four years later, from my debut, I’m a pro. What a time to be alive.
You closed out your amateur career with a 7-2 record. What does the conversation go down like between coach and fighter in terms of turning to the professional ranks?
I got the belt, and the first thing I said to Fisher was, “Pro?” And he said you’d given a mature and professional performance.
How did you and your team know the time was right to take the leap?
I think they did. I train and spar with the best professionals in the northeast, and I feel like I give competitive rounds.
Daniel Bainbridge Talks Opponent Change
You were originally scheduled to meet Richard Kallos on Sunday but now face Ash Wood. I believe you’ve had three weeks’ notice. Did the change of opponent cause any issues to your prep, or is it just another face, and you’re happy to adapt?
I was pretty gutted Richard pulled, to be honest. He is a good fighter to make my pro debut against. I feel like the fight would have shown the true level I’m at. But the change didn’t affect me. I always train hard. Change of opponent same outcome.
Ash Wood fought on the last Rise and Conquer show, making his own pro-debut, and was quickly finished in the opening round. Assuming you’ve watched that back. Give me your honest opinion. Do you think he has anything for you on fight night, and do you expect to get him out of there?
I hadn’t watched his fights as I was there when he fought my teammate Nathan. He’s game, but I feel like once I crack him with a big shot, he’ll be looking for a way out of there.
Expectations?
What can the pro-scene expect from Daniel Bainbridge? Have you set forward any goals you’d like to accomplish by the end of the year?
The bantamweights should be worried about me. I’m going to be causing waves in the pro scene. I want to have a few fights this year and maybe finish the year big, maybe signed with a big promotion. Cage Warriors, OKTAGON or PFL. But I know the opportunities will come. I’m only 22. No rush.
Finally, any last words for Ash before you step in there or anybody you’d like to thank?
Thanks to my sponsors and my teammates, as always. Big respect for everyone in the gym.
Featured image credits to Rise and Conquer 12
