On May 2nd Lorenz Larkin stepped in the cage at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee to take on Wendall Mitchell at “Gameness Fighting Championship 3.”  Quickly, Larkin started landing leg kicks and right hands to his opponent and it wasn’t long before he landed a big right hand that put Mitchell flat out on the canvas.  This was an all too familiar sight for Larkin who has finished 8 out of his 9 opponents via (T)KO. 

PRO MMA (promma.info) recently spoke with Larkin, the Ring of Rage Heavyweight Champion, to get his thoughts on several topics including the fight at “GFC 3,” his striking background, his upcoming fight on May 23rd for Hardrock MMA, and when he plans to turn professional.

PRO MMA: What’s going Lorenz thanks for taking time out to speak with PRO MMA (promma.info).
Lorenz Larkin: No problem man thanks for contacting me.

PRO MMA: Could you tell us a little bit about your athletic background?
Lorenz Larkin: Yeah, I played football my freshman and sophomore years in high school and did pretty well, but I just wasn’t into it so I started amatuer Boxing.

PRO MMA: With all those KO’s I was wondering about your striking background. How long have you been boxing?
Lorenz Larkin: I started my sophomore year in high school and just kept on throughout school a total of about five years.

PRO MMA: What made you decide to get involved in MMA?
Lorenz Larkin: I wanted to be a pro boxer, but I was a little small for a heavyweight, you know they have some big boys at that level. Then I did a smoker kickboxing match and won. From there I took a few jiu-jitsu classes and decided this was for me.

PRO MMA: Originally you are from Riverside, California and started your training with Martial Arts International and coach Sam Mason.  Now that you live in Louisville, Kentucky where do you train and who is your coach?
Lorenz Larkin: I train with Louisville MMA and the head trainer and manager is Jason Y.

PRO MMA: You recently fought for the Gameness Fighting Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. How was that experience fighting in a big venue like the Municipal Auditorium and for GFC?
Lorenz Larkin: It was great, really cool. I didn’t think the place was going to be as big as it was. I was expecting an armory type building, but it was great. They give freedom to kind of enjoy yourself and the cage was really big, about like the UFC’s size. I enjoyed it a lot.

PRO MMA: For those that might not know, you knocked out your opponent Wendall Mitchell in 1:44 of the first round giving you eight (T)KO’s in nine amateur fights. How do you feel about that fight?
Lorenz Larkin: Anytime you win it’s great, a KO is just that much better. The original opponent pulled put because he is getting deployed and didn’t want to risk injury so this guy was a late replacement.

PRO MMA: When and where is your next fight?
Lorenz Larkin: I fight next Saturday May 23rd at the National Guard Armory in Elizabethtown, Kentucky for Hardrock MMA.

PRO MMA: Do you know who your opponent is?
Lorenz Larkin: Yeah his name is Derrick Grace and he’s from the SSF Academy.

PRO MMA: With almost ten amateur fights and an undefeated record do you have plans to go pro soon?
Lorenz Larkin: Yeah after this next fight I may have one more for the Vyper Fight League in Louisville. If that doesn’t come through then I will have my first pro fight June 27th at the Horseshoe Casino in Evansville, IN. I have been fighting at heavyweight for my amateur fights, but when I turn pro I’m going to drop down to light heavyweight.

PRO MMA: That’s cool man. I wish you the best in turning pro. Is there anything you want to say or anybody you want to give thanks to?
Lorenz Larkin: Yeah, Sam Mason who was my trainer in California, my teammates at Louisville MMA, my coach Jason Y, my friends and you guys PRO MMA for interviewing me.

PRO MMA: Lorenz thank you for taking time to talk with us. We will definitely stay in touch and keep an eye on you as your career progresses. Talk to you later man.
Lorenz Larkin: Alright man thanks.

By: Dusty Adams

One thought on “PRO MMA’s Southeastern Amateur Spotlight: Lorenz Larkin”
  1. Lorenz and Derek put on one hell of a show. Both fought hard and well. Lorenz was just out of Dereks league and out struck and out ground and pounded a tough Derek Grace. I hated to see Derek loose his title but I am happy it went to Lorenz. Great jobs to both guys.

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