Getting To Know... Shay Walsh

By Dean Parr

Boasting a professional record of 6-1, on top of a solid amateur career, Shay Walsh is considered to be one of the top prospects in British mixed martial arts. Tomorrow night, he aims to bounce back from a loss to Andy Ogle against Julian Shuttleworth at Sprawl 'n' Brawl in Birmingham.

He took the hotseat for this week's 'Getting To Know...'

Age started MMA: 15.
Gym you train at: Lancaster and Morecambe MMA.
Background in Martial Arts/Sport before MMA: I started in MMA.
First memory in MMA: Being taken to a class by my brother and getting owned and not knowing what to think.
Best MMA Memory: Any of my Pro wins.
Funniest MMA memory: Listening to Chael Sonnen in the build up to his fight with Anderson Silva.
Toughest fighter fought: Andy Ogle.
Average training routine: Six days a week, twice a day. A mixture of strength and conditioning and all the aspects of MMA.
Inspirations: Top class fighters, world champions and my brother Sergio.
Favourite MMA fighter past: Randy Couture.
Favourite MMA fighter present: Brad Pickett.
Best MMA fight seen: Eddie Alvarez vs. Mike Chandler from Bellator 58, which needs watching if you've not seen it.
Pre fight routine: Stay relaxed until it's time to warm up. I like to warm up for quite a long time, get a good sweat on and make sure I'm in my second wind before I go out.
Top three songs: 'I'm a Boss' by Meek Mill, Florence and the Machine's cover of 'Take Care' and 'Sky's the Limit' by Notorious BIG.
Favourite book: Autobiography of Richard Kuklinski called 'The Iceman.'
Favourite film: Very difficult to pick one, but 'Snatch.'
Favourite holiday destination: Anywhere with my girlfriend relaxing.
Favourite food when in training: Breakfast. Protein porridge with banana.
Favourite food when out of training: Any junk food. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
What car do you drive: Don't drive.
Day job as well as MMA: None, a bit of personal training.
Which football team do you support: I don't watch football any more, because it does my head in when they're rolling around the floor like they've been shot.
Sports you enjoy apart from MMA: Most sports with physical contact, rugby league is good. Anything competitive; it's just football that I can't stand.
Next fight: vs. Julian Shuttleworth on Sprawl 'n' Brawl tomorrow night.
How will you win: Depending on the mistakes he makes, I will capitalise on them and win before the three rounds are over.
Person you'd most like to meet: Denzil Washington. Amazing actor and seems like a cool guy.