UFC 272: Jamie Mullarkey Credits Alexander Volkanovski for “Some New Stuff” He’s Ready to Try Out

Las Vegas, NV — Australian lightweight Jamie Mullarkey is in a much better spot these days, compared to when he started his UFC run just over two years ago.

“It feels like I’m home now,” was how Mullarkey (14-4) put it during Wednesday’s UFC 272 media day. “It was a bit of a shaky start, but got the feet under us, and we’re ready to keep the momentum going.”

Mullarkey stumbled out of the gate with back-to-back losses, including a Fight of the Night effort in his 2019 debut against Brad Riddell. He’s now put together back-to-back wins, something he credits in part on the level of competition he’s been facing — and getting comfortable in the octagon.

“Fighting the guys at the highest level; I’ve definitely felt the growth since that fight. And just being more comfortable in there,” Mullarkey said regarding his turnaround. “Getting those first couple of UFC jitters and fights out of the way, definitely it feels like I’m more comfortable now and I’m here to stay.”

On Saturday at UFC 272, Mullarkey will take on Jalin Turner — a fight that was supposed to happen two years ago, only for Turner to withdraw due to injury.

“I definitely thought we were going to get matched up seeing as we were matched up for UFC Auckland. That didn’t go ahead, then its come full circle two years later,” Mullarkey noted. “I knew that they wanted that match-up, it’s a match-up that excites me. Jalin, he’s tough, man. He brings different problems to the table. I’ve never fought someone as tall as him, and as long. That’s going to be a different challenge that I’m looking forward to. I’ve been working a lot of different stuff, different game planning, and we’ll see what happens.”

Some of what Mullarkey has been working on has been with the current UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski.

“The biggest thing I took from this camp was working with Alex Volkanovski. He has to get in at— pretty much everyone he fights is taller than him. He’s helped me so much this camp, and I’m looking forward to trying out some new stuff.”

Watch the full UFC 272 media day appearance from Jamie Mullarkey above. The event takes place this Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. More coverage from the event can be found below.