Tom Mullen has praised his loyal Bradford support ahead of his upcoming contest on Full Contact Contender 32 on December 17th.
The professional MMA fighter thrives on showcasing that those from the city of Bradford can do something with their lives, and he believes once he reaches the pinacol of the sport, he’ll do exactly that.
Mullen is set to clash with Joshua Onwordi in the Bolton Arena in ten days, with the aim to move to (4-1 MMA) and make it three back-to-back stoppage wins in 2022.
We had the opportunity of speaking with Tom Mullen as he prepares to close out his year in competition in style.
Interview With Tom Mullen
On December 17th, you aim to close the year with three fights, three wins, and three stoppage victories. If you successfully defeat Joshua Onwordi, would you be completely satisfied with your 2022 from a competition standpoint?
Yeah, I’d say it has been a good year for me, but wait for next year. It’s going to be a crazy year. I want to be more active than just three fights a year wouldn’t mind 5, keep busy and rise to the top.
You recently dispatched of Marcin Zembala at BMF 3. Did that fight go as expected, and looking back, are you left 100% happy with your performance?
The Marcin fight, I didn’t have a clue how that fight would play out. My other opponent pulled out one week to go, and Marcin jumped in last minute. The guy was very experienced and a tough geezer. Respect to him. No one else would have taken that fight. I didn’t have a scratch on me when I left that cage, so I think that says it all.
You and your brother have one of the best travelling support in the country. When a Mullen brother goes to war, it feels like the whole of Bradford is on the battlefield alongside you guys. How much motivation does that give you day in and day out in the gym?
The Bradford support means so much. It’s good to know you can have that many people behind you, and it feels like they are fighting with you when you are in that cage, but it’s the reason I get in there to show other people from Bradford you can do something with your life, and it will pay off when I’m in the big leagues.
Tom Mullen Talks Joshua Onwordi
Your opponent, Joshua Onwordi, has had a tough run of results as of late, with his last victory coming in 2020. On paper, people would expect you to steamroll him on the 17th. With that, does that add pressure on your shoulders, or do you look at that as being accurate?
No, not at all look who Onwardi has fought. He doesn’t fight bums. He’s fighting top guys on Cage Warriors. I know what I’m up against, and that’s all that matters. If everyone thinks I’ll steamroll him, they need to do their homework.
Are you someone who likes to watch tape in camp? Is there anything you’ve seen in Joshua’s game that you feel you need to be extra cautious of, or do you feel the difference in skill sets will show at FCC 32, and it will be a relatively comfortable night at the office?
I watched a bit of tape. I don’t go mad researching; I just look to improve my game in every single area, and that’s how it should be. Know what you are up against and prepare to put on a clinic.
What keeps Tom Mullen on track and motivated? Yes, fighting is a team sport behind the scenes, but it can also be a very lonely and dark sport. Who are some of the people that keep you inspired every day to put your body through gruelling training sessions in order to take one step closer to the end goal?
This sport is all I have. I was literally born into it. How could I not enjoy it? I’m motivated every single day with the people around me if that’s training partners or my family and friends. I’m doing this to give my family and me a better life, so I’m not just fighting for myself. It’s for my family that’s my motivation.
Mullen Hopeful of Keeping His Finish Record Intact
You enter the bout with a 100% finish rate in victories. Can fans at FCC expect to see another stoppage victory added to that luxurious win column?
100%. I haven’t rested this year. I’ve been grafting none stop, and it will show on the night.
With the year coming to a close, I assume you’ve already envisioned 2023, perhaps setting some small goals and big goals. If any, could you share those with our audience? A few more victories on the regional circuit, and you must be eyeing up shows like Cage Warriors, Bellator, and PFL.
Next year is going to be big. A few more fights on the local shows, and hopefully, I get snatched by the big shows wouldn’t mind travelling the world and giving people hidings, but yeah, the aim is to get to the UFC, so whatever show gets me there faster, I’ll go to.
Featured image credits to DN4 Photography
