Max Barnett has his eyes set on a stoppage victory on his return to MMA competition this Saturday at Badmofo 5 in Barnsley, England.
The action is set to take place in the Metrodome in Barnsley with an excellent card in store for those attending and watching on pay-per-view.
Barnett (1-2 MMA) is eager to right the wrong of his last outing on Almighty Fighting Championship 29 that left a sour taste in his mouth. Saturday night the Bateman MMA fighter clashes with Ryan Shaw in welterweight contest.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Max Barnett ahead of battle. Check out what he had to say below.
Interview With Max Barnett
Fight week for you, Max, and your second outing of 2023. How does it feel to be able to get that activity nice and early in the new year?
Octagon time is vital for learning in my eyes, and the only way you get that is through activity. Back-to-back camps with no time for the distractions that creep in when you’re out of a full-time training schedule. It feels amazing.
You burst onto the scene at BMF 4 with a vicious performance over Gareth Wright. Since then, unfortunately, you’ve dropped two consecutive bouts. In your own assessment, what do you feel went wrong in those fights, and how do you plan on correcting it this Saturday at BMF 5?
I feel that I’ve faced two great guys in my last two fights. I fight any name that’s offered to me every single time without question. I believe in both cases. I played my opponents at their own styles & ranges, which led to a loss, whereas Saturday will be fought on my terms.
You expressed your disappointment in your last outing on Almighty FC due to the referee’s call. Having had time to reflect and digest that is the feeling still the same, or are there some hard feelings still there?
I am extremely disappointed with the referee on Almighty. I left that fight feeling untouched. Regardless of the facts, my opponent wrestled well. I’m not happy with the stoppage. I’m just glad we get to fight again & again until that’s a distant memory.
Max Barnett Talks Mental Toughness
Looking at your social media, you come across a very positive individual. Where does that come from, and how much does that factor into your training, preparation and ability to compete as a whole?
I’ve always been positive and mentally strong. I served four years in the British Army and spent every day from the age of 16 training twice a day while serving, so being in the gym twice a day is nothing new to me. It’s what I enjoy. Then getting to show your hard work on the night and compete is just a blessing.
April 15th in the Barnsley Metrodome, you clash with Ryan Shaw at welterweight. Shaw holds an undefeated record but has been out of MMA competition for some time. How are you looking at this fight on paper?
On paper, Shaw being undefeated would put him ahead of me, but we all know MMA maths doesn’t add up, and you’ll all see that come Saturday.
Fight With Shaw
Shaw has shown an ability to finish in the past and also earn a victory by decision over three rounds. What do you anticipate he brings to the table on fight night, and where do you need to be cautious?
Shaw has good clean shots if you fight him at his range, he’s a very tidy fighter, but I’ve seen some holes in his game that I think I can exploit and put him to sleep inside the three rounds.
Sunday morning, when Max Barnett wakes up, what will it take on Saturday night for you to feel satisfied? Is it a finish, or are you just eager to return to the win column and show your improvements?
Saturday is just about getting a win for me. However, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied with my fights even after a win, as I know there are so many more levels to reach.
Lastly, fans love an official prediction. How does Max Barnett vs. Ryan Shaw unfold on Saturday night?
I truly believe Saturday night. We will see another big finish from myself, back in the win column in exciting fashion.
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
