This Saturday past, Youcef Whitelaw took to the cage for the first time in his amateur career and loved every little bit of it at Badmofo 5.
Youcef faced Corin Smith and earned a unanimous decision victory over three rounds. During the three rounds, with the sublime performance, viewers would have believed Youcef had been there numerous times before due to his level of composure.
The energy clearly set the tone for Higher Level MMA, as shortly after, teammate Stephen Clancy also picked up a victory on his debut.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Youcef Whitelaw after the fight. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Youcef Whitelaw
A successful amateur debut in the books. Now having had time to divest the performance and reflect. What are your thoughts on the fight and your experience as a whole?
In terms of the match itself, I’m disappointed that I didn’t get the finish; however, I am happy to have gotten three rounds in the bag. I wanted to show more of my striking, but my opponent was very passive, making it difficult to work my style. As for the experience, it was unreal. The show ran so smoothly, and the venue was set up perfectly. I made sure to embrace it all and loved every moment of it.
Your debut can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience, but you performed as if you’d been in there and in those surroundings ten times before. You looked loose, comfortable and extremely composed. Talk me through where that came from.
My confidence comes from my preparation and the team of fighters/coaches I have around me. I have sparred against many top-level pros/amateurs and know how well I perform in the gym. I have been working quietly behind the scenes for some time now, waiting for the opportunity to show what I can do, so when the time came, I made sure to embrace it instead of shying away from the buzz of the lights, cameras and sound of the crowd.
Youcef Whitelaw on Overall Performance
Obviously, you came away with the win, and from the viewer’s eye, it was clean. However, was there anything you weren’t happy with in there?
I wasn’t happy with the fact that I got taken down twice, and even though I reversed it every time, I’m still not happy about it. Very annoyed at myself for not trying for the finish a bit harder. Although I achieved my goal of staying composed, I wish I didn’t play it so safely at times.
How motivating and beneficial is it to you to have guys like Mark Ewen guide you through your debut, someone who’s been there and done it?
Having people around me like Mark and Dylan to look up to and take advice from is massive for my development. They’ve been through absolutely everything in this game and can guide me through the processes. Appreciate my guys so much. I aspire to have careers like theirs.
2023 Goals
Now you’ve got a feel for it and that first win under your belt? What do you have in mind for the rest of the year, or have you not thought that far ahead just yet?
I want to stay active. I haven’t taken any damage, and ideally, I like to get back in there on the Budo Scotland card in May if there are any pull outs. I have put myself forward for the four nations and would love to go back down to Barnsley for BMF6. The show or location doesn’t bother me, though; I just want to stay active and keep to ball rolling. If all goes to plan, I’ll end the year 5-0.
As mentioned, you look completely comfortable in that environment. Where does that come from? Is that confidence in the preparation? Or something else?
I’m a showman, and I perform better under pressure.
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
