Exclusive interview with “The Scrapper,” who meets “The Damage” on the FOX Sports 1 (FS1) “Prelims” portion of the UFC 196 card this Sat. night (March 5, 2016). Skelly previews his fight with the Indiana wrestler, talks about not receiving a performance bonus yet and much more!
It’s been a slow, but steady, climb up the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight ranks for one Chas Skelly (15-1). “The Scrapper” has won four straight, with three finishes in that span, but he’s yet to breakthrough into the Top 15 of the 145-pound division.
However, that could change if he beats the No. 11-ranked Darren Elkins (19-5) on the FOX Sports 1 (FS1) “Prelims” portion of the UFC 196 pay-per-view (PPV) card.
Skelly, 30, who wrestled all throughout high school and college, faces “The Damage,” who’s most known for his smothering top control and pace. MMAmania.com recently caught up with Skelly to talk about making a statement on Saturday night, if he’s surprised he hasn’t pocketed a performance bonus check, and utilizing his sense of humor in the Octagon.
So here we have one of the winningest active featherweights in UFC, how come nobody is talking about you Chas?
Skelly: I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m ugly. They like to talk about the Sage Northcutt’s of the world. Other guys like me don’t get any credit. I just have to keep winning.
Is it because you think those in the lighter weight classes are at a disadvantage?
CS: I do think that those in the lighter weight classes are at a disadvantage. With the heavier guys, there’s more of an opportunity to land one punch. People like to see that. There’s a lot more grappling in the lighter weight classes.
Given the opportunity, I will definitely make myself standout. I can talk sh-t just as well, if not better than anybody. I just don’t feel like degrading my opponent is the way to go about it.
Well, just judging from the way you run your Twitter account, it seems like your a pretty funny dude …
CS: In my last fight, I had some things I was going to say that I thought might be funny, but I couldn’t even talk straight because I almost got knocked out. To be honest, I just threw out thanks to the Brazilian crowd because it was a dream come true to fight in Brazil and get a victory over a Brazilian.
I don’t think I do enough on social media and I’m gonna change that. I’m gonna start doing more and get myself out there so people can see how I really am. I really am a clown, in the gym and in my personal life. Actually, when I wanted to fight Clay Guida, I started to do some stuff and made some videos trying to call him out. I think I should just do that with all of my opponents; start antagonizing them on social media.
Let’s move the conversation to win bonuses. You’ve won four straight now and that includes three finishes, are you a bit surprised that you haven’t picked up a bonus check?
CS: Out of my four wins, I’ve got three finishes and I felt like I should’ve been in the running for a bonus pretty much every time. I definitely felt like I should’ve gotten the bonus there [Kevin Souza fight]. I got hurt, came back and got the finish, but it’s hard when there’s so many good fights.
As for your “Prelims” clash with Darren, what are your expectations? How do you see it going down?
CS: I know what he’s bringing to the table. I know as soon as I connect really well, he’s going to look to take me down. His strengths are his takedowns and then he’s going to lay on top of you basically. If he thinks he’s just going to lay on me, he’s going to be escaping submissions the whole time.
To tell you the truth, I plan on putting him on his back as well. I feel like I’m a better wrestler than he is. I feel like my boxing is better and I have better finishing jiu-jitsu.
Any idea as to who you’d like to fight following Darren?
CS: It’s all business. I plan on winning the fight and then finding some of those Vegas hookers … they’re always handing out those cards.
I saw Cub Swanson and Hacran Dias got matched up. After I beat Darren Elkins, I’d like to get the winner of that fight. I think that would be a good one for me.
For continuous coverage of the entire UFC 196 card, including live updates and play-by-play, click here.