Callum Mullen is set for his biggest opportunity to date this Saturday at OKTAGON 42 against Jakub Dohnal.
OKTAGON 42 is set to take place at the Zimny Stadion Ondreja Nepelu in Bratislava, Slovakia. Mullen isn’t the only British fighter competing on the card, he will be joined by the debuting Shem Rock, James Lewis, Stuart Austin and Liam Etebar.
Mullen enters the contest boasting a (5-0) record after cruising his way through the UK regional circuit. The undefeated featherweight has a knack for finishing fights having take out everyone thus far in his pro-career, and on April 29th, he looks to add Jakub Dohnal to the list.
We had the opportunity of talking with Callum Mullen ahead of his bout in Slovakia. Hear what he had to say below.
Interview With Callum Mullen
Callum, been a while since we last saw you, sadly for reasons out of your control. Following your no-contest at FCC, how have things been for you? I know it must have been frustrating having cancelled bouts after bouts, too.
The no-contest was a bummer for me feel like I got robbed of my win that night. They weren’t much in the knee, and Franklin was looking for a way out to keep his record clean. Real fighters would’ve continued.
Touching on the no-contest with Franklin Ferreira at FCC last year. How tough was that to take, and how long did it take for you to put that in the past and begin looking forward?
I was gutted that night, and the next day felt like it was a waste of people’s time and money buying tickets coming to support me etc. with it being in the 1st round, I didn’t get a chance to put much of a show on.
Callum Mullen Talks OKTAGON Debut
Good things come to those who wait, right? Saturday night, you finally get a well-deserved opportunity on such a large stage in front of tens of thousands of eyes. Talk to me about how the opportunity came about and what was your initial reaction when OKTAGON reached out. Is this a one-fight deal or the start of a multi-fight deal?
This is a four-fight deal with OKTAGON. It’s a big show, and it’s going to work in my favour. Being on bigger shows can build my following and showcase my skills around Europe.
You’ve now been a father for a year. Fighters always talk about a mental shift in mindset and motivation when having a child. Is that accurate, and has there been any change in you since becoming a parent?
Since becoming a father, it’s changed my life, totally the best thing to ever happen. Motivation is through the rough. My sons made me a better fighter, and I want to give him the best life I can. I’ve got to do well in my career to show him how hard I work and what you can achieve if you put your mind to something.
It’s been a hectic two weeks for the Mullen brothers, both preparing for fights. Talk me through Tom’s victory at FCC last Saturday and if the celebrations are on pause until we go 2/2 this Saturday in Slovakia.
Yeah, buzzing for Tom. He deserves all the success he gets. We live this and have been doing this since kids. We didn’t get to celebrate much. Once he fought, we went straight back to the gym to hit some pads to help me get ready for my fight. This weekend we will be able to eat properly and enjoy our wins.
Perks of The Job
Fighters at the top of the sport often state that one of the job’s best perks is travelling and fighting in unique countries you may not have visited normally. Is it a nice feeling now knowing you’re starting to reap those rewards now moving forward?
I’m buzzing to fly out and experience it all. I’ve never left the country with my fights, so this is the first of many travels this journey will take me on.
Prior to OKTAGON reaching out, what did you know about the promotion, if anything? Have you been taking note of them selling out stadium shows and now beginning to tap into the UK market?
I saw they were a big promotion. The venues and the events they put on look amazing. The crowds seem to love it as well.
The man welcoming you to the show is Jakub Dohnal. Having looked at his previous fights, what do you think about the matchup and his skillset overall?
He’s a great opponent for me, has more fight experience than me, and is a big name for me to take out.
Featured image credits to DN4 photography
