Paul Hartburn is to collide with Alexander Gudbrandsen at Rise and Conquer 12 tomorrow night in Houghton le Spring.
The Rainton Arena will play host to a 24-fight card featuring professional and amateur contests. Hartburn is coming into the fight high on confidence after a perfect pro-debut which saw him finish Liam Thomas in the first round.
Now having had eight months to add to his arsenal and continue improving, Paul Hartburn has his eyes on a second consecutive stoppage victory. We had the opportunity of speaking with Hartburn just days out from his fight. Read the full exclusive below.
Interview With Paul Hartburn
Days out from making the walk in the Rainton Arena for the second time in your pro-career. After debuting in 2022, is there a sense of pressure on your shoulders to get that first one under your belt?
There was no real pressure the first time. I felt it was just a natural evolution of my fighting career to make my pro debut. I always felt stylistically I would suit the pro rule set as well.
Talk to me about your debut fight with Liam Thomas. Did everything unfold as you anticipated, and how did you feel in there?
Liam stepped in on 24 hours’ notice because my original opponent’s arse fell out. He turned his phone off the day of the weigh in’s. I was probably too relaxed on the night, but I got the job done how I predicted.
As an amateur, you competed everywhere, but as of late, the home shows Rise and Conquer have been your home. Can you explain just the difference between competing in front of your own people as opposed to competing and travelling hundreds of miles into a hostile environment? It must make training camp a lot less stressful.
There is no difference, really. I always tend to bring a decent squad. When the cage door closes, you tend not to pay any attention to anything other than your corner team’s voice.
Hartburn on Preparation
In preparation for these fights, who are some of the guys that have helped you get ready the most? I see you spent some time at ACE MMA with those guys too.
Nathan Haywood and Dan Bainbridge are my main training partners. I couldn’t really ask for better lads to keep pushing me, to be fair. Me and Nathan started at TFT around the same time, so we have been constantly pushing each other for years. ACE have lots of great small guys, which has been a massive benefit to get some different sparring partners in. One of my old opponents, Aaron Givens, has been a massive help to this camp, along with Superman Shaj. I’ve also managed to get some sparring in at the beginning of camp with Davey Grant, which was a great experience helping him prepare for his last UFC victory.
It’s been seven months since we last saw you. Since then, have you consistently been in the gym grinding, and if so, what new tools can we expect to see from you?
I’ve been pretty much consistent since my last fight. Expect to see the same aggressive style as always. I’ve just refined some aspects of my game. Physically im in the best shape I’ve ever been, thanks to my S&C coach Ian Glass and Nutritionist, Liam Williams.
Norway’s Alexander Gudbrandsen is the man trying to hand you your first loss. Talk to me about the matchup and how you feel you match up against one another.
I think it’s a good matchup. I think Alex likes to come forward the same as me, so it should be exciting.
Opponents Most Recent Bout
Did you get the chance to watch Alexander’s Clan Wars 46 debut? If so, what do you see in terms of his skill set? I know you’ve identified holes, but was there anything you saw that caused concern?
I watched it and studied all of Alex’s fights. I think Alex’s major attributes are his size and reach for the division. I don’t see it as a concern, however. I train with taller, longer and bigger people than him. So come Sunday ill be ready.
Finally, for those apprehensive about tuning in on Sunday, sell it to them. What can they expect from Paul Hartburn at Rise and Conquer 12?
For me to be coming forward, applying pressure and looking for the finish!
Featured image credits to Rise and Conquer
