“I’m in this for the experience.”
Aaron Chalmers is under absolutely no illusions when it comes to his new career.
The Geordie Shore star has quickly gone about compiling a professional MMA record of 3-0 after making his debut in May under the BAMMA banner.
Chalmers is now the proud owner of three consecutive first-round finishes following on from his swift knockout over Karl Donaldson on Friday night in his native Newcastle.
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The fact that Chalmers is receiving the opportunity to compete in main card slots for one of Europe’s biggest promotions based solely on his celebrity status doesn’t sit well with plenty of up-and-coming young fighters who might possess more talent but less drawing ability than the reality TV star.
But Chalmers’ fame is not his fault and he would be foolish to turn down the chances afforded to him in the cage.
And the 30-year-old is admirably honest when it comes to his new combat sports career.
“A lot of people say it comes down to jealousy,” Chalmers told Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour. “There are so many skilful fighters in the UK who should be on the show over me but they’re not. And that’s it.
“There are hundreds of fighters in the UK that are more skilled than me, hundreds. And I openly admit that but they haven’t really got the pull on the social media side or press side as I have.
“The thing is, I use BAMMA as much as BAMMA use me. I get a fight on BAMMA because that’s what I want to do, BAMMA reap the rewards of all the press that comes with it.”
Chalmers’ contract is not being constantly renewed because of his ability or potential. It’s because he sells tickets and, to be fair to him, he’s well aware of that fact.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't https://t.co/vQ5BHchEZP
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 19, 2017
Having called out Bellator fighter Kevin ‘Baby Slice’ Ferguson Jr. after his most recent victory, Chalmers knows what he’s doing insofar as he wants to move up a level in competition and pursue intriguing fights which will translate to plenty of fan interest.
Love him or hate him, ‘The Joker’ is playing the hand in front of him and he’s not trying to deceive anybody with his intentions either.
“I called out ‘Baby Slice’ because, I’ll be honest, it’s a good fight and it’s also a big payday fight,” Chalmers said.
“I’m 30 and I can openly admit that I’m never going to be a world champion so why wouldn’t I chase those bigger paydays?
“I think he’s 2-1, I’m 3-0. I think we’re both quite early in our career without an amateur record. He’s quite a big name in Bellator and well-known in America. I’m obviously well-known all over Europe because of Geordie Shore and BAMMA. Bellator and BAMMA do joint events so it kind of makes sense.
“I think it could happen. I’m 90 per cent sure it could happen. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
