“Calling people out is not my style, but after I win on Saturday, I think it’s definitely my turn at a title shot. I have earned it.”
Scott Clist will be the underdog on Saturday night, he often is. He was the underdog when he stopped Brad Wheeler via TKO at Cage Warriors 75, he was the underdog when he knocked Tim Wilde out at Cage Warriors 77, and he’ll carry that same tag into Cage Warriors 79 this weekend when he faces UFC veteran, Martin Svensson. The thing is, if the underdog pulls it off again, he may just find himself in the number one contender position for Chris Fishgold’s lightweight title.
A relative unknown on the UK MMA scene, Clist has propelled himself onto the global stage, seizing the opportunities afforded by Cage Warriors’ new broadcast deals by putting away a pair of respected names on the regional scene in front of an ever growing audience. ‘The Priest’ now finds himself centre stage on Saturday, a position opened up to him when CWFC middleweight champion, Jack Marshman finally got a call from the UFC. So how does headlining an event on UFC Fight Pass and BT Sport sound to the Dragon’s Lair representative?
“How can I not be ecstatic about headlining on the biggest MMA promotion in Europe? It’s amazing,” explained Clist. “It opens up a massive opportunity for me. I get to showcase my skills at top of the bill. The UK has so many talented MMA athletes. It’s nice to be near the top. Where I belong.”
“I found out Thursday morning through a text from Ian Dean (CWFC matchmaker) that I had been bumped up to the main event. I immediately looked on Facebook and saw that Jack Marshman had been signed to the UFC. So, I would like to congratulate him on that. Well done Jack, well deserved.”
Perhaps one of the contributing factors in how surprising Clist’s recent success has been is his age. At 37-years-old, the lightweight contender is just about hitting his stride.
“Age is just a number. I am in my prime,” said Clist. “I think this is because of where I am. I’m training in the right gyms with the right people. I don’t teach anymore, so I have been able to focus on my own training with no distractions. I am training with coaches like Stu Pike and Brad Scott, and I got to spend some time training at the MMA Lab in Arizona with John Crouch, mixing with some UFC and Bellator fighters along with some great highly talented MMA athletes. I train with Mark Kent for my strength and conditioning and Smudger Smith for my boxing. It all makes a difference. The key to it bringing it all together has been working with my peak performance coach Stu Mourant. I am in the right place physically and mentally and that makes a massive difference.
“I am early in my MMA career with an 11-2 professional record, but I also spent many years as an amateur fighter. I had 17 bouts as an amateur along with a kickboxing and boxing background.”
Throughout his career, Clist’s goal has been unwavering, and it’s one that’s fast becoming a real possibility. Should he continue to defy the odds, Clist could yet find himself on the biggest stage of them all – something few would have bet on prior to his victory over Wheeler. For Clist, it’s clearly never been in doubt.
“I will make it into the UFC and be a successful UFC athlete. That’s my goal,” he explained. “The call is coming!
“Random people stop me in my town just to say ‘well done’ on my fight and that is amazing. That means so much to me.”
Those tuning in on Saturday night will likely be familiar with his opponent. Despite breaking his elbow on The Ultimate Fighter 22, Svensson competed on the UFC’s London show in 2015, headlined by a five round epic between now champion, Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva. The Swede has had exposure at the highest level, educated fans have an idea of what to expect come fight night. But what of Clist? What should the uninitiated be looking for come fight night?
“I am a fighter. I fight. I always look for the finish. 11 wins so far and all by stoppage,” said Clist.
Who knows, maybe next time he’ll even be the favourite? Though he may be happy for things to stay as they are: “I do enjoy being the underdog because it’s always nice to be the surprise!”
Shoutouts:
“I would like to thank all of my sponsors who have made it possible for me to chase this goal: James Little JL IT Consultancy and Vitalisation GURU, Badboy Supplements for fuelling me throughout my training, Complete Construction, Cole Whitelaw, Contender Gym Trowbridge, Benjamin Thompson Stone carving and fixing, Dayne Jones at Star Brands, Down Auto Repairs, Nacho Cheese restaurant plus I would like to say a massive thank you to all my supporters. I also have to say a massive thank you to my wife and daughter for allowing me to spend time away from them training. It’s will all be worth it!”
