Matt Mitrione: I Feel As If I’m Only Getting Better
In a heavyweight division where the belt has not been defended in quite some time, and a next title contender is not set in stone, No. 13-ranked Matt Mitrione could be a dark horse to make some noise in the 265-pound division in the near future. Mitrione has quietly put together a three-fight winning streak and has secured four first-knockouts in his last five fights. This string has included victories over Philip De Fries, Shawn Jordan, Derrick Lewis, and Gabriel Gonzaga.
Now looking to make a statement and enter the top 10, the former NFL football player will meet No. 9-ranked Ben Rothwell in the co-main event of this weekend’s (June 6, 2015) UFC Fight Night 68 from New Orleans.
Speaking on today’s (June 1, 2015) edition of the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, “Meathead” believes he has the skills to indeed make a statement. He admitted that he’s feeling great and also added that he feels as if he’s only getting better:
“I feel like I’m really damn good right now. I feel like I’ve been really good for the last little bit, and I feel like I’m only getting better. Like this camp, all my training partners, my coaches, even Chris — my mentor — but is extremely honest with me. They’re like, ‘Look dude, you look better than you’ve ever looked before.’ Takedown defense, striking, creativity wise, grappling, transitions, everything. I feel like I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m not brand new, I’m not new and improved, I’ve just gotten better overall, every single time.”
Mitrione has definitely surprised many with his recent burst of success and he’s definitely not lacking confidence, saying that he doesn’t really feel as if anyone can beat him right now. “Meathead” also credited all of his coaches for his improvement throughout his career:
“I feel like there is not many people in the world that can beat me. On any given day I feel like I can beat anybody in the world. With my training partners, with coach Henry, coach Greg Jones down in Florida; and honesty with Glenn Robinson who allows me to go down there and train and work with the Blackzilians and get better. Coach Neil Melanson came down and worked with me, Struve, Anthony Johnson, Rashad, Rico Verhoeven; all these dudes. I’ve just been fortunate with all these people that we’ve all worked hard and got better.”
Mitrione will face the toughest test of his career this weekend in the form of Rothwell, who is coming off an upset victory over Alistair Overeem last September. Despite finishing his most recent bouts very quickly, the former football player is expecting a battle against the well-rounded “Big Ben”.
Can Mitrione continue his rise up the heavyweight rankings this weekend?
