Las Vegas, NV — Stepping into Noche UFC on short notice, lightweight Charlie Campbell made the most of his opportunity, stopping the returning Alex Reyes early.
The TKO finish would later earn Campbell a Performance of the Night bonus, and his profile was boosted when Campbell quoted WWE legend and Hollywood superstar The Rock in his post-fight interview.
It’s clear Campbell is no stranger to working the mic, at any rate.
“I’m just getting started in this game. That was my tenth pro fight. I’m 8-2 now. I’m the best in the world. I’m the best in the world,” he exclaimed following the fight. “It’s kind of hard for someone to make a claim like that who has two losses, who’s been KO’d, but it’s all about what you do the next time you’re out there. I’m the best in the world.”
And yes, he added, that’s how he really feels. “This is how I feel from morning til night. That performance is just another showcase. Obviously, I’m going to state that here with you guys, with the opportunity to.”
During his interview with Daniel Cormier, Campbell let rip The Rock’s famous “it doesn’t matter what you think!” catchphrase, a staple of late 90s/early 2000s pro wrestling. He was inspired by watching some classic clips with a teammate ahead of the fight.
“All we watch is WWF throwbacks, back when it was really f*cking awesome. We were watching some of the legends, and it’s easy to say that The Rock is one of the best on the mic. I said ‘you know what? After I perform, I’m going to hit that one.'”
Hit it he did, and the timing was perfect. After all, the UFC and WWE recently joined forces under one corporate banner, TKO Group. “It’s no coincidence that they sign me on Thursday, and then Triple H and Dana White come to an agreement on Friday,” Campbell added. “The Cannibal’s going to be in the WWE soon too.”
While that might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, Campbell added that if asked to make a crossover appearance, he’d be down. “Yeah. I have a great brand, I know how to speak. I know how to do entertainment wrestling,” he told Cageside Press. “I’ve got the bandana, I’ve got the shoulder pads, if you check my Instagram, I know what I’m doing on camera any which way.”
In the meantime, Charlie Campbell plans to stay busy with his fighting career. “I’m willing to fight as often as I’m capable. I want to be healthy, and that’s just it. As long as I’m healthy, I’m active.”
Watch the full Noche UFC post-fight press conference appearance by Charlie Campbell above.
