From Invincible Fighter to Drug Addiction
Professional MMA fighter Ryan Scope, once tipped for the very top of his sport, has revealed how a devastating ketamine addiction brought his promising career to a sudden halt. The 33-year-old welterweight from Sunderland, known by his nickname 'Big Baby', described feeling "invincible" during the initial stages of his drug use when he was still winning fights.
The Downward Spiral
What began as recreational drug use with friends gradually escalated into a full-blown addiction that consumed his life. Ryan Scope admitted that at his lowest point, he was using drugs every day, transforming him into a shell of the former athlete he once was. Despite multiple attempts to get clean by removing himself from negative influences, he found himself relapsing immediately upon returning home.
The fighter explained his mindset during his active addiction: "To be honest, in the beginning you don't think you're a drug addict. When I first started taking drugs, I was still winning fights so why would I stop? In my head, I'm invincible."
Recovery and Comeback
Ryan Scope's professional career suffered tremendously, forcing him to take a five-year break from competing in the cage. The toll of ketamine addiction made it impossible for him to continue with the sport he loved. Ketamine, originally developed as a horse tranquilizer, can cause severe bladder and kidney problems with frequent long-term use.
The turning point came when Ryan recognised the need for comprehensive treatment. He stated: "Until you fix what's going up here, it's impossible. You could lock me in a room for a year without fixing what's going on in my brain, I'm gonna get some drugs when I get out."
In April 2023, Ryan finally checked himself into rehab and has remained completely sober since. He made his successful return to the cage in summer 2025, marking an impressive comeback after his lengthy absence from the sport.
Ryan remains vigilant about his recovery, attending local support meetings and maintaining total sobriety. He revealed the ongoing challenge: "You could possibly have a couple of pills, a couple of lines, a few beers or whatever and then you can forget about it for three months, whereas I have to be totally sober, because if I have one line or one drink, it sets off a reaction in my brain where I need more."
