Unified MMA welterweight Mohamed Ado is undefeated through his first two pro fights, and may just be Canada’s best kept secret when it comes to up-and-coming professional fighters.
We got to know Ado a little better with a recent Q&A.
Prior to coming to MMA what other sports did you compete in and how well did you do?
I competed in judo from eight to nine years old. I did a couple of tournaments in which I’d win medals (gold, silver, bronze).
What got you into MMA?
Honestly not sure, I just used to like WWE but knew it was fake and couldn’t really make it based on my skills but only on if the executives thought I can be marketable, etc… Then I was introduced to MMA in like 2017-18 and I thought I could be good at this (first months were bad lol) then put in the quality work and hours and it’s working well so far.
What made you jump right into competing as a pro before taking any amateur fights?
I was going to take MMA amateur fights but they got canceled so I took some amateur fights in Muay Thai and Kickboxing (4-1 record). But the reason we jumped straight instead of testing the water in amateur first was because we knew we were ready based on how I was doing in the gym and how much growth I was showing one amateur fight after the other.
Do you remember the first time you walked into an MMA gym?
Ooh yes lol, remembered being intimidated by one of the coaches (big, tattoos, etc…) then I saw the fighters and I was like they’re normal like me and I could hang with them (you know that mentality where we think we are unbeatable without any experience) but man was I wrong😭😂.
Who are you currently training with?
With the team at Fight Factory in Ottawa. The coaches are Kru Jeff (Striking), Prof. Peter Fazekas (BJJ), and Ilya (wrestling). Then we have lots of training partners like Alex O’Neil, Mateo Vogel, Jake Gauvreau, and many amateurs that help a lot and are so damn good!!!! (Keep an eye on them)
People don’t usually fight the level of competition you have so early in your career. Can you just tell me about that?
Well as I said we really believe in the training we put in. To be honest, the first one was more of a desperate attempt to finally get a fight because at that point I had like 5-6 pro debuts canceled and spent so much money in medicals plus it was almost the end of the year and I didn’t want my money to go to waste. I was still confident going into the fight even though the guy was 4-0. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but man I love challenges and proving people wrong. #1 thing is that I trust my coaches with whatever guy they want me to fight so if they’re in, I’m in.
As for the second fight, the team knew I was okay in grappling but the guy was still a D1 wrestler so it was not an easy task. I really wanted that kind of opponent because once again I wanted to prove to people that I can grapple especially after that stupid takedown I tried in my first fight lol. Even though the plan was to strike him and maybe take him down once I also wanted to out-grapple him so that my future opponents wouldn’t think that the way to beat me is wrestling or grappling.
Talking about those two fights what are your biggest takeaways from those fights?
The first one made me realize that I was ready for the pro level but that I had lots of flaws in my game that I had to work on before it becomes a bigger problem. The second one reminded me that I still had lots of flaws and things I’m not doing right but that I also was able to work on some of them when spending time on them. It also reminded me that being well-rounded is necessary in this sport. Finally, they both reinforced my belief in the fact that I don’t like/want padded records. Yes, you do have to choose the right fights but you also got to challenge yourself and put yourself in those fights where you have no choice but to give it your absolute best in camp because you know how risky the fight can be.
Is something like the UFC somewhere you’re trying to get to ASAP or is there no rush?
Yes, I definitely want to get there, ASAP though? I don’t know. Only at the right time when I’ve matured enough and gained enough, consciousness and IQ about this sport. I’m not trying to just get there, I want to stay there and be at the top of the food chain.
Is MMA your full-time job? If not, what else do you do?
No, it’s not my full-time job. I’m a full-time student in university and I also work jobs to earn my living etc….
What do you like to do outside of fighting and training?
Honestly, not much anymore. I used to love hanging out etc… but nowadays with my busy schedule and how tiring training can be on my body I just stay home most of the time and watch fights, learn about fighting etc…
For anyone that’s never seen you fight what would you tell them to expect?
Honestly expect the unexpected. Don’t expect anything just tune in and enjoy because, to be honest even though I usually always have a couple of things that I want to do in my fights but once I’m in there I also just do what feels right in addition my the coaches instructions. So even I’m not sure what to accurately expect.
Do/did you have any inspirations in combat sports?
Didn’t really have any until I discovered the sport, but now the goal is to one day get that UFC belt wrapped around my waist!
Why do you fight and who do you fight for?
Lol for the first one until now, I’m really not set on a specific answer on why I fight. I just know that my love for it just keeps growing daily, that I hate being away from it, and doing it just feels right.
