Another congratulations on a strong performance against Rodrigo Damm. What did you take away from that fight?
I showed everyone where my skills we’re really at and that I’ll only continue to improve. Rodrigo Damm has beaten a lot of great fighters and is very dangerous. I really fought a flawless fight. I also showed my ability to bounce back from a loss.
What did you take away/learn from your previous loss to Mitch Clarke?
I really should have finished that guy in the first round. He never should have had the opportunity to win that fight. I put my guard down while being in a dominant position and he was able to capitalize. I can’t let guys off the hook.
How helpful has it been traveling to Australia two weeks in advance to get adjusted opposed to only traveling the week before your Hallman fight in England?
I think it’s been tremendously helpful. The first couple of nights were kind of rough. Having a few extra days to get acclimated and get some hard training in before cutting weight will definitely benefit me.
You’ve been asking for a fight with a “top named” opponent. You got that in Ross Pearson. What are your general thoughts on him?
He’s a veteran of the game. It’s no secret that he has great boxing skills. I’ve been watching him fight for a long time. He did some coaching on The Ultimate Fighter with Team Cruz. Even then I was sizing him up being a guy in my division making some noise. I have definitely been training for a fight against him longer than he has been training for a fight against me.
This is the first opponent you’ve fought in awhile that has a stand up game on the same level as yours. In what direction do you see the fight going? Without giving away too much what will your game plan be?
I think my standup game will be much more well rounded. My footwork will be more technical and I feel I’ll be faster and stronger. I have been training hard and plan on being superior wherever the fight goes.
Tell us your thoughts on this big opportunity to be the Co Main Event against Pearson?
Its a huge opportunity for me. Co Main Event in Australia is a dream fight for anyone. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I intend on making the most of it.
Do you let the hype of a big name opponent like Pearson motivate you or to you is it just preparing for another important fight?
It definitely motivates me. Ever since wrestling in high school I liked wrestling guys at the top. I enjoy being the underdog and beating an opponent where people may not have thought I would win.
How has the training and weight cutting been so far in Sydney? Has anything taken you out of your routine?
My routine is pretty much the same as usual. I’m out here with my teammates Jonny Bonilla-Bowman and Aljo Sterling. We’ve been on the same training schedule as always. We’re having fun and getting some great training in. I have been fortunate enough to get to the beach a few days in between workouts as well.
Good luck, all of Iaquinta Nation is excited to see you get back in there Friday Night. Any message to your fans and Iaquinta Nation?
Thanks for all the Support! You don’t want to miss this one. If your on Long Island Friday night make sure you get down to McCann’s Pub and Grill in Massapequa to watch the fight.
-Matt Pellicane
Iaquinta Nation 