Brian Hyslop Interview
Picture Courtesy of On Top Promotions
The Griphouse in Glasgow has a penchant for breeding violent MMA midgets in ways not too dissimilar to the way that Uruk-hai are bred in ‘Lord of The Rings’.
Spearheaded by European bantamweight champion, hugely popular and absolutely bonkers Ultimate Fighter try out, ‘Metabolic’ Paul McVeigh, the Dinky Ninjas Fight Team have carved a path through UK MMA and is held in high regard for producing solid, well rounded and game as badgers fighters i.e. James Doolan, Sean Wright, Allan Love, Scott Ward and many more
Within this famously tough team stands recently turned professional flyweight, Brian ‘Hissy’ Hyslop. Undefeated at professional level (3-0) and due to make his BAMMA debut against BJJ Brown Belt Ian Malone of Gracie Barra Newcastle, Hyslop is currently ranked 6th in the UK after defeating Shamsul Haque via TKO (GnP) in September. We took up a few moments of Hissy’s time to discuss his previous experiences, current lifestyle and his future in MMA…
Tell us a little about yourself Brian…
I’ve been doing MMA for about 4 years fighting and I’ve been fighting pro for 1.
I used to box and boxed from the age of 13 through to 19 and had around 15 amateur fights. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were all pro boxers so I guess I followed in their footsteps.
What made you make the switch from boxing to MMA?
I just prefer it – I think boxing is watered down. MMA is more of a fight, more of a challenge.
My first ever session was with Paul McVeigh coaching and he taught me how to do a guillotine and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s even my favourite submission; the Hissitine!
Who/what is your biggest influence in MMA?
Paul McVeigh definitely – I try to emulate my MMA style around his cos I love his style and he’s taught me pretty much everything I know.
You’re fighting on Saturday, how’s it feel to be making your debut on BAMMA 8?
It feels amazing, I feel right up for it. I’ve had tonsillitis all this week but it doesn’t matter.
How much do you know about your opponent? I know your original opponent changed from Owen Gayle to Malone… has that affected your training much? How much do you know about him?
I know he’s a brown belt in BJJ, has some Thai boxing, obviously a good grappler but I don’t think his stand up is on the same level as mine to be honest. The opponent change didn’t affect my training much – I’m just going to do what I’m going to do.
What are your goals within MMA?
I want to be the number 1 flyweight. I’m going to be one of the first Flyweight champions in the UFC.
A couple of stupid questions; Who hits you the hardest?
Conor Hyslop my younger brother!
We know Griphouse/DNFT are famous for breeding mental violent midgets but out of them all – who is the most mental?
Mad John Mcilroy, I’ve got a million stories about John but not one of them is printable!
Finally; any shouts out?
Shout out to all the Dinky Ninjas, BAMMA, my little brother Conor, On Top Promotions and I want to dedicate this fight to Ally McCrae who passed away 2 weeks ago.
*Following his decision win on BAMMA, Hyslop was voted ‘Breakthrough Professional Fighter of the year in the Scottish MMA awards hosted by YourMMA.tv – article can be found by clicking here*
