BRAD Scott revealed he was on the brink of walking away from his UFC career prior to his bruising victory over Scott Ashkam on Saturday night.

At UFC Fight Night 107, the 27-year-old Melksham man returned to the ring after more than a year out after knee surgery and claimed a split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) over his fellow Brit at the O2 Arena in London – his third win on the world’s biggest mixed martial arts promotion.

Injuries and the financial burden of fighting have all taken their toll on Scott, who had also tasted defeat three times in his five previous bouts.

In his post-fight press conference, an emotional Scott confirmed that he suspected that the loser of his showdown with Ashkam would be dropped from the UFC and was relieved he had ultimately chosen to fight on.

“In the middle of the year, I was thinking about giving up – there’s so much pressure on fighters. And there’s no money in it – I earn more money learning to be a plumber,” said Scott.

“I am glad I got the win but I did feel the pressure of the loser gets kicked out and unfortunately for Scott, he probably is going to get dropped.

“It’s just a relief. I was going to give it up but I am so glad I didn’t. I dug deep and I managed to get a win.

“I was on about giving up because I am scared of failure, I am not scared of getting hurt. I don’t like losing, I like to win.”

Although delighted with the victory, Scott left the ring with a twinge of disappointment at having failed to knock out Ashkam.

The Melksham man also picked up a shoulder injury but has vowed to fight to come back stronger once he has returned to full fitness again.

“I wanted to knock him out, I wasn’t impressed by my performance,” said Scott.

“If you see me train, I am an animal in the gym, I just need to bring that to the cage and I should be top 10. I should be ripping guys like that to pieces but I have got to get used to the pressure.

“I thought I clearly won the first (round) and I thought I edged the third, so hearing the split decision made me twitch. I thought I won and I’m glad I won, I just wish I’d let my hands go and got the finish and knocked him out.

“I have to get an MRI scan, they reckon I have torn my rotator cuff but I doubt it’s that much of a big deal.

“I don’t care who I fight where I fight, I just need to rest up and get my shoulder sorted.

“I will fight anyone, I have got no fear of being in the cage – if I died in there I would die a happy man.”