SMULLEN EYES WIN & PLACE AT THE TOP TABLE

RICHIE Smullen has emerged as a top prospect in the Octagon under the guidance of John Kavanagh.

With an unblemished record, Smullen has done little wrong in his career to date.

Racking up three wins on the bounce, Smullen met Rhys Mckee at BAMMA 30 in a fight of the year candidate clash that ended in a draw.

Next Friday, November 10, Smullen returns to the 3 Arena to face Lonsdale champion, Tim Barnett.

Merely days removed from his title bid, Smullen exudes a calm demeanour.

Confident in his abilities and reflecting on the beginning of his journey into mixed martial arts, he said: “I didn’t picture this in the beginning.

“I never imagined I would be fighting professional back then, never mind for a BAMMA title in the 3 Arena.

“But the more time I spent watching the team in SBG and began training with Artem Lobov, the desire to compete grew and so I approached John.

“Shortly after he agreed I could take an amateur fight and now here we are fighting for a BAMMA title.”

A time comes when a prospect is presented with a stern assessment, a litmus test to judge their character and ability.

The Rhys Mckee fight was more than a gruelling test of will, it turned out to be a turning point for Smullen mentally going forward.

He added: “I grew and learned a lot from that Mckee fight. I showed my striking ability and heart. Heart and the will to win gets you through a fight like that.

“I also made a few mistakes which I worked hard to correct and come November 10, you’re going to see the best version of Richie Smullen yet.”

At BAMMA 32, Smullen will challenge the undefeated Barnett who has been punch perfect to date, finishing all his opponents inside the distance.

Smullen though, believes his grappling may be a deciding factor in this fight. He continued: “My grappling is at a high level. Everyone thinks they have the answer until they experience it. I don’t see any real weakness as such. Everyone is well rounded at this level.

“I just think my style matches well with anyone in the division. It is no secret what I am coming to do.

“I am going to come forward and take him down in search of a submission. It doesn’t change whether the fighter be tall or short, grappler or striker.”

Should Smullen win on and bring the European title to Dublin, that will be his first step towards the headline slot he has set his sights upon.