Heading into his second CES MMA bout on Friday at CES MMA 36 in Lincoln, R.I., Matt “The Paperboy” Tullos caught up with ProMMANow.com to talk about his transition to the professional ranks of the sport and his future in MMA.
Now that you’re a professional fighter, has anything changed for you?
No, nothing has really changed. Well, I’ve started training with a strength-and-conditioning coach for a more specific style of training for my fights. But other than that, everything stays the same.
Have there been any changes to your mindset?
No, I don’t think so. I try to not put too much weight on it. I’m not focused on winning or losing, as odd as that sounds. I’m focused on going out there and performing to the very best of my abilities. I’d hate to go out there and not display all of what I’m capable of.
What are you capable of?
I think people would be really shocked when they see what I’m capable of doing. And this fight I plan on going out there and doing just that. A lot of people think of me as a grappler, but I’ve been training my stand-up for just as long.
How excited are you for Friday night?
I’m pretty excited. This will be my best performance. I’m on weight and ready to go.
Where would you like to be one year from today?
I’d like to have that CES MMA belt wrapped around my waist heading into the UFC or Bellator.