Pickett critical of 'point-scoring'
Wednesday 19 November 2014 14:16, UK
London veteran Brad Pickett has confessed that his biggest fight to date is actually overcoming the “natural development of combat” which doesn’t suit his trademark style.
Out-pointed by the fleet of foot Ian McCall in July, Pickett is wary that his heavy-handed and aggressive methods may be dated.
It’s a natural development of combat, the way this sport has gone. I see this as a challenge, in my later years, to overcome this style of fighting.
But Pickett is resolute is revamping his approach to suit the cautious, point-based style of less experienced fighters such as Chico Camus whom he meets on November 22 in Austin, Texas.
The 35-year-old told Sky Sports: “I am a massive fan of fights where the competitors would stand and actually fight. That’s why I loved MMA, because people just fought each other.
“Now people just try and score points. But I can’t complain, it’s up to me to try and learn how to beat them at their own game.
“It’s a natural development of combat, the way this sport has gone. I see this as a challenge, in my later years, to overcome this style of fighting.”
Tactics
Pickett’s frustration stems his world championship aspirations being halted by McCall who won all three rounds of a summer fight largely by avoiding a toe-to-toe scrap with the Londoner.
“He didn’t want to get involved in a fight. I like to be involved with someone who will stand and trade with me,” he continued.
“He applied tactics of hitting and running away which I think is becoming more of a regular tactic these days. I am concerned that this style will be used by all my opponents. I’ll see this how this fight goes, and I’ll see how he prepares himself.
“It’s not just Ian McCall, when I fought Eddie Wineland he did the same. I feel like a lot more fighters will do that.
“People will looking and thinking ‘this is the blueprint to beat Brad Pickett’ so I need to change that mentality. I hope not, but I’ve got a feeling that’s what [Chico Camus] will do. I’ll prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
