UFC 272: Jalin Turner Says Being in the UFC Has Taught Him Patience

Las Vegas, NV — Jalin Turner returns to action at UFC 272, stepping into the octagon for the first time in 2022, and first time since securing a first-round submission of Uros Medic at UFC 266.

That extended Turner’s win streak to three, dating back to February 2020 — a slower pace than Turner (11-5) is accustomed to, but one he has come to appreciate.

“I learned a lot of patience being in the UFC. Not having to fight three or four times like I was on the local circuit has helped me grow and develop as a fighter, and I showcase it every time,” he told media outlets including Cageside Press during this week’s UFC 272 media day. Now, however, after time off spent getting better at all aspects of his game, “it’s time to get back in my office.”

Turner sees a tough, durable opponent in Jamie Mullarkey, and the pair anchor the featured prelim spot on the UFC 272 card.

Asked if that placement allows him to set to tone, Turner replied saying that “it feels good, you know. I always set the tone, I always have an exciting fight. As long as my opponent isn’t boring, I’m going to put on a show.”

In terms of how the fight plays out, however, “we’ll see how it goes. I feel like I’m going to have the better hand where ever the fight goes. So if we get into crazy exchanges, it’ll be fun. I can get technical and just stay long the whole fight. We’ll see, it just depends on how I feel Fight Night.”

The match-up with Mullarkey has many predicting a Performance bonus for Turner, or perhaps a Fight of the Night. But as good as he’s been, that hasn’t happened, and Turner isn’t focused on it.

“I think every time I’ve got a finish, I’ve put on a bonus [worthy] performance, and I didn’t get it yet. So I’m not worried about that, I just want to keep winning,” he stated. “At this point the goal is just to reach the top, and just keep going there.”

It’s impossible to overlook Jalin Turner’s height for the lightweight division, but as it stands, the weight cut isn’t too much of an obstacle. “It’s being made, you know. It’s never easy. Cutting weight always sucks. I love food, it’s hard for me to just cut that out any time. That’s the hardest part. It’s part of the job, I make it every time.”

And, Turner said, he walks around at about 180. “They’re too big at 70, dude. I don’t think I’ll ever fight at 70.” The only way he would, he added, was if he got up to the 190s.

Watch the full UFC 272 media day appearance from Jalin Turner 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.