On Saturday, March 18, Nathan Jessimer heads into his fight with James Rayworth at Caged Steel 17.

The Sprawl had an opportunity to speak to Jessimer and fire a Q&A at him.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to the Sprawl, Nathan. Could you tell our readers about the type of fighter you are?
I would say I am a well rounded fighter that is comfortable no matter where the fight takes place. I do prefer to stand up and trade, but all of my MMA fights have hit the mat at some point so I know I need to be comfortable there as well.

Your amatuer career has only been seven fights long but has produced two championship belts – one at lightweight, the other featherweight – how did it feel to get those belts around your waist and do these accolades give you the confidence to turn professional in the near future?
I don’t really care too much about the belts, I just see them as nice trophies for winning. I will no doubt be turning professional this year, will probably be the end of the year after having a few amateur fights just to gain a little bit more experience.

You train out Scottish Hit Squad, Coatbridge – a well known and highly respected gym. Being an amateur fighter who is training with top level coaches and the next generation of fighters in MMA, does this give you a distinct edge over your opponents and what advice have you been receiving as your fight career develops?
We have a very solid team and coaching staff so this gives me huge confidence going into the fight. I don’t really focus on my opponent at all I focus on my training and let the rest take care of itself.

You head into Caged Steel 17 with a 6-2 record. How confident are you that you’ll be (6-2) come Saturday, March 18?
I’m very confident I will be getting my hand raised on the 18th of March.

Has there been any specific goals you have been working on in this training camp?
Just to improve in all aspects of MMA. I don’t really try and focus on one area for a particular fight, I just always try to improve my overall game.

How much do you know about your opponent James Rayworth?
I watched a few of his fights on YouTube and he looks like a good well rounded fighter.

Who will be in your corner for the fight?
Brian Gallacher and Stevie Houston.

Looking ahead, you’re also in a main event fight with Thomas Hepburn at SFC 13 in Edinburgh on Saturday, May 6. What are your thoughts on this fight?
I’m glad to have this fight because I want to be very active in 2017. I know Thomas will be a tough challenge because he has a good reach advantage and is a purple belt in BJJ, so I’m looking forward to it.

Lastly, would does 2017 have in store for Nathan Jessimer?
Turning professional and winning all my fights.

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