Thomas Paull may be deaf, but he’s causing an incredible amount of noise. We’ve spoken with sources close to the situation and learned that Jack Cartwright might not be the only fighter from across the pond to appear on the Contender Series this season.
Thomas Paull is on a three-fight win streak and has won four of five in total. All of these fights have ended via finish, as Paull always comes to finish the fight. With a fight being announced recently for Thomas Paull at GTFP 19, could he instead be switching his focus to his UFC dreams?
The Journey
Three of Paull’s last four fights have been with Golden Ticket Fight Promotions. Golden Ticket is a top tier promotion that consistently puts on some of the best shows you’ll see on the UK domestic circuit. They’re not messing around. With GTFP 19 being headlined by Melissa Dixon and Mafalda Carmona, Golden Ticket will feature the first female main event domestically seen in years. Originally, deaf sensation Thomas Paull was supposed to be on the card as well. If he’s bound for the Contenders Series, it’s safe to say he won’t be.
Traditionally, talent coming from the UK comes out of Cage Warriors. Although not every fighter from the United Kingdom has come directly from Cage Warriors, most do. Paull has bucked the norm, undoubtedly heavily due to GTFP’s fantastic promotional approach and push of their talent. People are taking notice of Golden Ticket, and you shouldn’t be surprised if they start sending more talent forward to the UFC in the future.
It is very elite company Paull would be joining if he does indeed ink a contract with the UFC. Let’s check it out.
United Kingdom Domestic Fighters to Sign to UFC Without Cage Warriors
There are a small few fighters who’ve made the jump without Cage Warriors (or BAMMA). Brendan Loughnane appeared on UFC on FX 6 without having ever appeared for either Cage Warriors or BAMMA. He did so with a 5-0 record, and that was his sole bout under the Zuffa banner since Loughnane has gone to PFL and is currently chasing the one million dollar season prize.
Darren Till came into the UFC 12-0 and also avoided the main path there. Till has gone on to see a UFC career full of peaks and valleys, yet you won’t find anyone calling his run anything short of a success. With numerous main events in the books, Darren now prepares for Jack Hermansson next.
Lerone ‘The Miracle’ Murphy came to the UFC thanks in part to Full Contact Contender. Entering the UFC at 8-0 and still never having been defeated, ‘The Miracle’ is one of the biggest up and comers in the UFC, with a fighting style that draws eyes from all over. Hopefully, we get to see Lerone in action at UFC London this go around.
Davey Grant is the last fighter in recent memory to make the jump without Cage Warriors or BAMMA. Losing his first fight and responding with a seven-fight win streak, Davey then got a chance on The Ultimate Fighter. After winning two fights on the show and only losing in the Tournament Finale, it’s no surprise Davey has gone on to have a long UFC career with no end in sight.
Thomas Paull Has Entered the Chat
Darren Till may be as marketable as can be. Lerone Murphy may be an undefeated super prospect. Brendan Loughnane may be popular enough to transcend the mainstream and cut his chops in PFL. Yet, still, none of these men can truly compare to the marketability and eyes that Thomas Paull can and will bring in, given the opportunity himself.
Not only is Thomas a massive advocate for the deaf and those hard of hearing, but he has one of the most appealing fight styles you’ll ever see. ‘Juggernaut’ is allergic to boring fights. Regardless of who he stands in there with, you can bet the house on Thomas bringing the fight directly forward. When he brings the fight forward, it usually ends with him finishing his opponent.
Should Thomas Paull get the Contenders Series call, he would enter the show with a pro record of 11-3. His past two fights have been stoppage victories over veterans of this game with near twenty pro fights. Regardless of who he competes with if he does indeed get the shot, Thomas Paull is MORE than suited to shock the world once more and earn a UFC contract.
Thomas Paull: A True Inspiration
Having overcome the odds and difficulties in even training while deaf, Thomas Paull is a true inspiration to those who have similar circumstances and anyone in general. Thomas has overcome more in his day-to-day life than most will have to face in their entire existence. Not only did he overcome it, but he used it to mould himself into a world-class athlete in the toughest sport in the world. Thomas Paull truly is the Juggernaut. Thomas Paull truly is special.
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Featured Image credits to Thomas Paull