Scott Skinner: WNY MMA & Fitness Member Feature
He is one of the most genuinly nice people you will meet. I know this because of the way he has treated me from day one. He always asks how I'm doing, or how my day went and he never ceases to make me smile.
He genuinely cares. Sure most people here are nice to me, but he is the one person I can count on to go out of his way to make my day a little brighter.
This is the sole reason why when he asked me to come to his first fight, I couldn't say no. I'm so happy I didn't. I have to tell you guys that the amount of pride I felt for this team when I watched the five or six of you step in the ring back in December was like nothing I've felt for this place before. It gives meaning to the reason I sit here six days a week and do the things that I do. It was nice to finally get to see this all play out. I now understand why many of you are also here six days a week. I don't think I've ever been in one place where so many people are working so hard to chase their dreams.
I decided to feature Scott Skinner this week because it was his first fight and I know how hard he worked for it day in and day out. You deserve it Scotty!
How did you get into martial arts?
I took tae kwon doe for a year or two. I came in through Bubba, he is the one that got me to
come here. We were friends and I saw his bag on him one time so I started asking him questions and he was like 'yeah, come train, come train!' I've been to four different gyms and this is by far the best one.
What do you like about your sport, is there anything you don't like?
I love everything. There is nothing not to like. Kickboxing and striking are my favorite. I like
hitting people [laughs].
Tell me about your first fight?
It was the best feeling I have ever had, ever. I never experienced something
so crazy, intense, nervous. I was one of the last from the group to fight, so it was a lot of
pressure.
What were some things that were going through your head before, during and after your first fight?
The only thing going through my head before the fight was just how badly I wanted that win. The team was 4-0 for the night so far and it was up to me to keep the undefeated score going, but I was ready and focused. I couldn't wait for the fight to start when they announced my name and I walked to the ring hearing everyone cheering for me, screaming my name. It completely took away any nervousness I had. The fight was tough. It went all three rounds and was a nonstop action packed war. I remember hearing them announce my name and raising my hand for victory. Having my teammates, coaches, family and friends tell me how proud they were of me was the best feeling I have ever had.
How did you prepare?
I just trained my hardest everyday. I did not miss a day the last month before my fight. I started back in March, and about seven months of prep later I had my debut. I had no experience before this.
How was making weight for you?
It wasn't too bad. I only had to lose ten pounds to get down to my target weight of 145. So not bad for
me at all, I would actually say it was easy. I am looking to get down to 135 for my next fight.
Now having fought, what would you change or do differently in your prep for next time?
Definitely run more, or work on my cardio more in general. I felt like I got tired,
winded. I went entirely way too hard in the first round, so I would also save up my energy a bit more rather than go out there and start throwing fists like crazy. I had a lot of excitement and confidence going in, maybe a little too much confidence!
I know you won! Congratulations!
Thank you, I won by unanimous decision (29-28), all three judges. It was a good fight. I wasn't sure if I had won at the time. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, but I did have a
feeling I won.
Why do you say that?
I hit him more [laughs]. I knew I went harder than he did.
What are your plans moving forward from this?
I want to get in the cage and fight MMA. That's what I want to do but I will do whatever they want me to
do. I will fight anyone. I will fight anywhere. I will do what I’m told. I came with the intent of fighting and I want nothing more than to be
a professional fighter, it has been a dream forever since ten years ago. So my plan is to keep coming here and training hard and going after it.
Who are you biggest influences at the gym?
Corey because he has helped out so much in striking. I have gotten a million times better
since I started training with him. First three months here I only did BJJ then I switched to kickboxing. I haven't been on the mat in a few months, but Dub is also a huge influence on me. I look up to him. He's kind of like super man to me, like he can’t be beat. I've never seen
him submit. I think there is a really great dynamic with the coaches here. I am looking forward to gaining that energy in my MMA style in the future.
What is your favorite move?
Spinning heel kick.
So I gotta ask, where did the nickname Buffalo's Bad Boy come from?
It came from Amer Abdullah. He said it was because I looked mean. He
was making the posters up and had to think of
a name and the one guy I was fighting the Pride of NY DOCs [laughs].
What influence has training had on your life?
It has changed my entire life. I don't want to get into details, but I swear I would be dead or in jail if I didn't have this sport in my life. It has kept me out of trouble.
"Scotty is a real inspiration to his peers, he showed us that it's never too late to follow your dreams. With the hard work and determination that he put in he was able to over come all the obstacles that stood in his way. I knew that the only thing that could stop him was himself and if he was able to overcome that, he could overcome anybody that stood in his way" - Dan "DJ Roundhouse" Dorfman
"Scotty is a guy that was committed 100% from day one. Every day he comes in he gives all of his effort and trains until he can't train anymore. Though he hasn't been training long his work ethic sets him apart as a leader in the gym. What I love most about Scotty is that he doesn't give up and he'll never let his team mates give up either." - Corey "The Story" Webster
"Scott has an energy about him. He's dedicated and brings fire to the team." -Brandon Mindoro, member
"A real success story. Scott is one of those guys that really brings something special to the team; Positive energy, proof that hard work pays off, an indestructible spirit, leadership qualities, and a back story allot of guys coming in can relate too. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him." - Michael "Dub" Dauenhauer
