Jimmo looking for title shot after victory at Hard Knocks

Ryan Jimmo is as jovial as guy as you’ll find outside the ring. But when it’s time to do business, Jimmo is as serious as they come.

The demeanor of “The Big Deal” has garnered him a nine-fight winning streak and a return to the MFC with a multi-fight deal that launches at MFC 21: Hard Knocks against Mychal Clark.

“I started my career in the MFC and I’m excited to be back,” noted Jimmo, a former standout competitor in karate who participated in the Pan American Games.

“I always had positive experiences in the MFC and expecting more to come.”

It’s rare to find a fighter on such tear as Jimmo, but the 27-year-old from Halifax, Nova Scotia, is riding a wave of athleticism and confidence heading into his 11th career bout. If he can keep his current streak alive at Hard Knocks, Jimmo could certainly get himself into the MFC’s light heavyweight title picture albeit in what is probably the MFC’s deepest division.

“I think I’ve built myself up to be in there with those guys – (Aron) Lofton, (Marvin) Eastman, (Emanuel) Newton, (Travis) Galbraith, that’s a good stable,” said Jimmo. “I haven’t had a title fight yet and I’d like to pin one down. It kind of makes my mouth water thinking about that.”

A 10th straight victory could very well make Jimmo a top candidate for the No. 1 contender spot for the MFC’s light heavyweight title – a crown that is up for grabs at MFC 21 when reigning champ Emanuel Newton defends against Trevor Prangley.

“Ryan has an immense amount of talent and a level of athleticism that is hard to match,” said MFC Owner/President Mark Pavelich. “If he can match those qualities with a level of excitement in his fights, I would say he could easily become a top contender.”

Jimmo has done some of his best work in the past with the MFC. After a career-opening loss in his MMA debut, Jimmo has steamrolled the opposition including two victories in the MFC – a 44-second submission of Nick Goetz at MFC 14 followed by another first-round tapout at MFC 15 of Craig Zellner.

“If you have the right game plan and you are mentally and physically prepared it is possible,” said Jimmo of his winning streak. “My standup is still probably the best part of my game but guys don’t want to stand with me so we often tie-up and it goes to ground. That’s OK though – I just smash till they’re bloody.

“But I kind of pride myself on being a bit of a technician. I think being technically sound is a help, not just being aggressive. You have to be athletically inclined but if you’re intelligent too that’s a recipe for success.”

Even though he’s been on quite a tear, Jimmo hasn’t settled when it comes to the development of his skills.

“I started off with holes in my game and I took six months after my second fight because I wanted to build my skills and start filling in those holes and taking care of those weaknesses,” Jimmo explained. “I don’t think even now that I’ve filled in all the holes. I think if you ever think that you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. You have to learn more every fight and every day in training and improve your skills all the time.

“I still think I’m not a very good fighter but I’m working on becoming one. I want to improve every day and in every area.”