Who is Eric Marriott?

Despite a 12-1-1 professional record (30-4-1 overall), wins over WEC veterans Joe Benoit and Chris Mickle, current Midwest Combat Challenge 145-pound champion Eric Marriott is still in search of some much deserved respect.

As he told MMAInsider, "I've never had the big connections. I've never had anyone just hand it to me, but now I've got a 12-1 record, and somebody's got to look at that and think, ‘This kid's got something.'

"One of the things they were questioning about me was not finishing fights. The bottom line is: whether I'm finishing them in the first, second or even fifth round, I'm winning. I don't think I can be denied anymore."

A member of Team K2L and Grindhouse with UFC veteran Rob Kimmons and recent WEC addition James Krause, Marriott has had to work for everything he has, and he's confident his workman output will pay off soon.

"Me, my manager, our camp and everything started from nothing, and we've created what we have on our own," he said. "I feel good about the way I'm going, it's a longer road, but somebody's going to recognize me soon."

Using teammate Krause as an example, Marriott says he's willing to step right in against the best to prove himself.

"If you go in there against the best, they're not expecting you to win, but if you can put on a good show, and show you belong there, you can get a contract," he stated. "I'll play it just like that.

"I'll fight the top contenders at any weight. Just give me a shot and I'll prove I belong on a big show."

Having achieved some recent media attention to his cause, Eric Marriott may just find himself on the doorsteps of a major promotion's 145-pound division sooner than later.

"I want to thank Joe Wooster and Executive Pressure Washing, Midwest Kings Management and Larry Reyes, Brian Davidson, Team K2L and Grindhouse," he concluded.

"No one has ever been disappointed in my performances. Even if I've lost, I gave it my all. I come to bang, come to fight, and no matter what, you'll get your money's worth."