The Professional Fighters League are back in the UK after a great night of fights in Wales last weekend, this week they are taking over England’s capital in the Copper Box Arena.
The card is stacked with numerous talented British prospects looking to make a name for themselves on a global stage, one of these men is undefeated English bantamweight Darius Mafi. Mafi (3-0) has shown his outstanding potential early on in his career, with a 100% finish rate in his opening three fights. The 29-year-old is excited and confident in his skills ahead of his bout this weekend.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Darius Mafi ahead of the biggest fight of his career, to further understand his mindset going into such a big fight.
Darius Mafi Interview
At PFL 9, you will be facing undefeated Swedish fighter Ali Taleb, what do you think you have that will give you the edge this weekend?
“My skills, my strength of character, and my will to win.”
What are your short-term and long-term goals within the sport?
“Short-term, win this fight Saturday and announce myself to PFL and the world stage. Long-term, PFL European tournament champion.”
Fighting for PFL, and being seen on a global stage, what does that mean to you?
“It’s everything I’ve sacrificed for. Years of ups and downs inside and outside the cage. That’s life, that’s fighting. So now to arrive at this point it’s a culmination of everything I’ve been through and work for”
What do you feel you offer PFL that they’ve never seen before?
“An Iranian Irish animal”
How would you describe your fight style to someone who’s never seen you fight before? Is there anybody at the top of the sport you’d compare your style to?
“My style is aggressive plain and simple. Guys at the top, I take bits from all but ones I’m similar to I couldn’t tell you.”
And finally, how do you predict the fight to go down?
“With me getting my hand raised.”
“If I could shout out my sponsors, Bio hacking Manchester and strength predator as well.”
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