Heavyweights collide on Saturday at UFC London, as Jamal Pogues meets with UFC newcomer, Mick Parkin.
Parkin who is a teammate of Aspinall’s, was victorious on the Contender Series back in August against Brazilian, Eduardo Neves. The 27-year-old weathered the early storm from Neves and displayed his well roundedness, submitting Neves towards the end of the round.
Parkin is yet to taste defeat in his five fight professional career which began back in 2019, whereas Pogues on the other hand will be the more experienced fighter, having already fought under the UFC banner.
The Contender Series alum was scheduled to fight in March at UFC 286, but he admitted how he wasn’t 100% and therefore, didn’t want to waste the opportunity. “There was a slight injury after the fight (with Neves on Contender Series), I wanted to make sure I was 100% for my debut so I did get offered the fight on the Edwards vs Usman card (UFC 286) which would’ve made more sense but I wasn’t 100% by then so I wanted to wait six weeks before I was 100% again so i’m raring to go now.” Parkin said.
With this already being the second UK held event this year, Parkin admitted that this may be the last time in a while that he gets to fight in London, as he wants to stay active before the next UK event.
Parkin said: “I know there’s more cards coming to England now but originally it was mainly America so this could be the last time I fight in England for awhile really, so to have my debut where all my friends and family can come down is a dream come true and then maybe the big one next year but I don’t know, it could be awhile before I fight in England again so i’ll make the most of it.”
Similarly to his teammate, Aspinall, Parkin explained how he is an athletic heavyweight who won’t just come in, plant his feet and slug it out. “I think i’ll be different to everyone, I’m not just a slugger and plant my feet, I move nice for a heavyweight so hopefully people enjoy it.”
Watch the full UFC London media day appearance by Mick Parkin above.
