Blackburn’s own undefeated lightweight Martin Delaney is one fight away from becoming the first Scot to hold an On Top title belt - and few would bet against our local powerhouse doing just that.

Delaney’s rise to mixed martial arts (MMA) title contender has been meteoric, defeating his first five opponents with relative ease.

That winning run has earned him a shot against On Top champion, Frenchman Mamour Fall at On Top 4 on Saturday 25^th February at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall. Fall won the belt with a stifling defeat of Bobby McVitie at On Top 3, and Delaney has a plan to cope with the Frenchman’s skills.

He said: “Having watched the Fall against McVitie fight, I learned that Fall seems to be a good all-rounder that does enough to win rounds. He also has a lot of cage experience too, and having looked at his record, he has been in against some decent fighters.

“Every time Bobby was on his back he wasn’t eating any big shots, so it looked like he was comfortable to sit there and look for a submission. I’m not going to say that Mamour won’t be able to take me down, but if I do end up on my back somehow, I know he won’t be able to hold me there and steal rounds.”

“Fall’s strongest area is probably his grappling and top game by the looks of it. I don’t know if he is my toughest opponent to date, but he certainly is the most experienced.”

Delaney’s last fight was a decision win over the tough Graham Armstrong, who was the first fighter to take Delaney the full distance in a bout. Although he won the decision, Martin was not thrilled at his own performance and expects to do better against Fall.

He said: “I am my own biggest critic, and although I won the fight with Graham, I wasn’t happy that I lost the last round. That is the only round I have ever lost in the cage at both pro and semi-pro level, but it is also the first time I had gone three rounds professionally.

“I probably gained more experience with that fight though than I did with my other four professional fights combined. I would have liked the stoppage in that fight, but at the same time it is always good to get the full three rounds in.

“I also think Graham and Mamour have the same style of fighting so having that fight at the end of last year has been good for me.”

Delaney’s victories so far have seen him take his opponent to the canvas early before finishing the fight with a flurry of punches. But he insists he is comfortable with a fight staying on the feet.

He said: “The only reason you haven’t seen much of me striking is because I haven’t needed to yet. I’m quite happy to stand and strike with Fall, as I know I could cope with his style.”

All of Glasgow-based On Top Promotions’ champions hail from the continent, and Delaney believes he has the best chance of keeping a title belt in Scotland. Going by his previous performances, few would doubt it.

You can find out more about the show here on the On Top website.