Carl Kinslow talks about being the new UCMMA Champion
Well what a night to remember at London’s The Troxy on Saturday. A night of action for UCMMA 36 and a little surprise in the bag from Carl ‘Energy’ Kinslow who took on Nick ‘The Headhunter’ Chapman.
We all expected a stand and bang fight between these guys and why wouldn’t we, both have proven they are hard hitters in the past but although it looked like it was going that way it wasn’t to be. Nick rocked Carl with a belter which saw Carl drop to the ground and as he was standing up, Nick rushed in and took it to ground taking top position. Carl then surprised everyone by sinking in the guillotine choke that left Nick no option but to tap at 2m2s of Round 1.
We caught up with the new Light Heavyweight Champion to find out how he is feeling.
Firstly we cannot continue without saying congratulations on a great win but before we get to that night, we want Carl to tell us about his fight prep leading up to the Title Fight and about the press conference shove.
“I am always fight focussed and motivated, even on bad days I feel great. I never plan anything for an opponent in training; I just hit all sorts and train harder each time I go.
At the press conference there were loads of words exchanged and Nick gave me a little shove but I just use that as energy and only think positively”.
Carl always comes across as calm and chilled out, even on fight night so we wanted to know if he feels nerves and also with the amazing support he gets, how that helps him mentally.
“I am very confident as I have the mind-set of a champion so I believe in myself and my way. I had such amazing support which made this donkey over the moon. It meant loads to me it really did and I love everyone who supports me. Even those that don’t and give negative words as this helps with my growth.
I love the energy and noise as it gives me that POW”.
As we said Carl did get rocked by a punch which had Nick’s fans out of their seats and Carls gasping. Did this affect him mentally?
“Okay so I got hit on the button before I hit the ground and as I pushed back up Nick ran into my guard. But my mind was in fight mood and that is the only thing I think about no matter what is happening. I just think about getting my gold and fighting through anything. The ground is my home but I am an MMA fighter and I will work any situation, it is a way of life”.
As most of us were expecting a stand-up war, we wanted to know if Carl was pleased that he shocked everyone by getting a submission win.
“I will always shock the opponent. It is the way to be the best and get to the top along with the mind and work effort. I was already confident through hard work that the belt was mine. I am confident with the passion I possess as passion is a talent”.
So now Carl has the belt and is the new Champion. Having spoken to Carl after his previous wins, we are pretty sure he hasn’t slept as he is always buzzing post fight but how does he feel about owning the belt.
“It is the best feeling but I need more energy to get to the top and to keep going training. I need to keep my energy high and along the way motivate others”.
Being the new Champ we wanted to know who Carl has his eye on next.
“There is a wealth of talent out there. I know who I want to fight and who I have my eye on and I will embrace the grind but I just train and fight. My Coach and Management get me the wars”.
A question I have heard and seen on social media sites since Saturday is whether there will ever be a rematch between The Headhunter and Mr Energy. What does Carl have to say about it?
“Well if Nick can get a couple of big wins like I did then I am sure we can meet again. I have total respect for anyone. This is a game for respect and I respect all. That is why I deal with situations and I train hard because respect is key and this donkey is flying now”.
Well how can you not love a Carl ‘Energy’ Kinslow interview? Positivity, respect and above all else donkeys!!!! Thanks to Carl for talking to us and now we suggest he tries and gets some sleep before starting all over again.
Carl would like to thank the following people.
“I would like to thank Garry Hawkins, Impact, UCMMA, all my support and my GSX. I would also like to thank my training partners and coaches who are all legends. I am humbled by this dream. Much Love”.
UCMMA would like to Tom Slezakowski for the images and Suzy Athey for the great interview on behalf of Addicted MMA.
