MELKSHAM fighter Brad Scott is convinced his career has moved up to a new level as his latest mixed martial arts exploits prepare to hit Britain’s television screens next week.

The 23-year-old’s bid to win a contract with the world’s largest MMA organisation this summer will be televised from midnight next Wednesday on ESPN UK.

Scott impressed enough to win a spot on the second international edition of the hit reality series The Ultimate Fighter in June.

After promptly quitting his job at Cooper Tyres in Melksham, he was whisked off to Australia in July as one of eight British hopefuls in The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs The UK – The Smashes.

Scott, who trains at the Trojan Free Fighters Gym in Cheltenham, spent six weeks Down Under as the show pitted Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) hopefuls from Australia and the United Kingdom against each other and says he never dreamed that he would become a contestant on the show.

The Smashes Grand Final takes place back in Australia in December and although welterweight Scott has had to keep his mouth shut about his performances in the competition, he is certain his career has already been given a massive boost.

“I used to watch the show all the time and I never thought that I’d be on there one day – not a chance,” said Scott.

“When I went for my trial in June, I didn’t even take a spare kit because I was sure I wouldn’t get on but a few weeks later, I was flying off to Australia.

“We had to live in a house and there were cameras everywhere and interviews every five minutes.

“I’m used to working in a factory so I’m always swearing and they’re probably going to need subtitles for my accent!

"It was huge over there and we even got noticed in the airport, which is amazing because everyone who was in it was only just announced last week.

“Obviously, I’m not allowed to say anything that’s happened and the only people that know are my mum, dad and girlfriend, who’ve all had to sign agreements to not say anything because things will affect them.

“But in the past, the top two have ended up getting on to the UFC and sometimes, even everyone has – regardless of what’s happened, it’s definitely taken things to the next level for me.”

Scott is one of four British welterweights who viewers will see face off against Australian opposition, with the UK team led by current UFC lightweight Ross Pearson, the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: United States v United Kingdom in 2009.