Robert Whiteford ready to light up the UFC!

Post date: 23-Oct-2013 19:15:23

Scotland's Rab Whiteford today claimed he will light up the UFC on Saturday.

But the first Scot to fight in the Octagon is not the only man supremely confident he will be a success story on the sport's biggest stage.

The men who know Whiteford best, who have seen his remarkable progression, insist he is in the UFC to stay.

And this is just the beginning. Every great story has a beginning.

Whiteford, since losing his first fight, has not looked back and he enters the UFC on the back of a 10 fight winning streak, 5 by KO.

He started his career with Hostile Territory but soon moved to be with Scotland's Dinky Ninja Fight Team (DNFT) - based in Glasgow - when he realised the level of training available. The DNFT is one of the top teams in Europe and the home of 3 BJJ Blackbelts aswell as world class fighters such as Steven Ray, James Doolan, Joanne Calderwood, Graham Turner and Paul Mcveigh. The DNFT has the best coaches, the best sparring partners and that is why the top gym in Scotland was a perfect fit for Whiteford, who splits his training at the DNFT with training at famed American Camp American Top Team.

“I remember the first session he ever did at the Griphouse (home of the DNFT), he was really quiet and kept himself to himself. He was pretty raw, only really had his judo and some boxing. Through hardwork and determination his progress has been superb”

The words of Dean Reilly, Whiteford's main sparring partner and also one of his cornermen.

Seeing where Whiteford, 30, has gone from those early days has to serve as an inspiration to everyone involved in MMA in Scotland.

The “long road” as Whiteford describes it to the UFC hasn’t been easy. He has fought the best in Europe whilst waiting for his chance in the UFC. Rob McCrum, who match made 3 of Rab’s last 4 fights said:

“He didn't want easy fights, he wanted fights that would move his career forward. We managed to get him tough fights against very good and well respected opponents and he did his job by beating them. Dominating them actually.”

It was this dominance over top Europeans (such as Martin Svensson, Liam James and Paul Reed to name a few) that led many Scottish MMA fans to campaign to see Whiteford in the UFC. The campaign really picked up steam when Whiteford knocked out highly rated Swede Martin Svensson in quick fashion.

McCrum, who refereed the fight and had the best view in the house compared Whiteford’s hands to “sledgehammers”. An apt description for the man with 5 KOs in his career already.

On Saturday, Whiteford's dream finally comes true. He squares off with Jimi Hettes in what should be a fascinating style match up. Whiteford, a black belt in judo himself, will not be fazed by Hettes’ judo heavy attack and the Scot’s notoriously heavy hands and lightning quick punching flurries, which have overwhelmed many, will give the gunshy Hettes plenty of cause for concern. Whiteford isn’t looking to go to the ground and his excellent judo should grant him his wish.

Reilly echoes the sentiments of the whole of Scotland when he says: “It’s awesome seeing him finally achieve his goal of reaching the UFC”.

However, Whiteford isn’t here for just one fight. This is his dream and he is not about to let it go.

“This is only the beginning for him” Dean adds.

Indeed, the Scottish MMA community also hopes that this will be the beginning of a boom in the sport in this country as well, with some other top fighters finally getting the opportunity in the Octagon.

“Seeing a Scottish fighter get into the UFC is a fantastic moment. It's brilliant to see Scottish mixed martial artists get the recognition they deserve. I have no doubt that Rab is going to have a pretty substantial career in the UFC. This will pave the way for more Scottish based fighters once Rab demonstrates what we can do.”

Those are the words of Shaun Taylor, one of the many Scottish pros who one day would love to be where Whiteford is, and see this first match as proof that it CAN happen. The foot in the door.

“Anyone that's chasing your dreams, don’t give up if you work hard enough it will happen”, says Whiteford.

He believes anything is possible. He’d know, he has achieved what many thought couldn’t be done.

With his attitude, work ethic and will to win, the sky really is the limit, and Scottish MMA couldn’t be in better (or heavier) hands in the UFC. You’re not going to miss his fight if you’re a fan of Scottish MMA. But if you needed any more convincing, I’ll let Rab explain:

“I am looking to be exciting like I always fight, watch this space!!”

Thanks to everyone who gave me their time and thoughts on the fight, especially Rab, who you can follow on Twitter @FlyinJudoka

Jimbo

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