Joffie Houlton 1-2-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist. A professional competitor since 2019, representing Manchester Top Team. He has competed for Gladiator Promotions UK, Fight UK, Almighty Fighting Championship, Cage Warriors, Budo Fighting Championship, Bellator MMA and Contenders.
I’d like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to speak to me again Joffie and I’d also like to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement with BUDO Fighting Championship. I hope the fight camp is going well?
“Anytime, always happy for a chat Aaron! Camp is going well, moving teams not long after the fight was difficult and then I had a spell of Covid but I’m feeling good right now.”
Last we spoke was after your inclusion on Contenders first trip to London back in October 2021, at the Crystal Palace national sports centre, In what was a very explosive fight against Mario Pinto. Despite a valiant effort throughout the first round, the night was not yours. After having many months to analyse that war with Mario, what did you take from your bout with Mario?
“I don’t know if I took a tonne from it, other than sometimes, having fun isn’t the best idea. Ultimately, now that I fight as a pro, I should treat it as such, so a short notice fight may not be good decision making, no matter how fun the idea seems.”
A new year brings new opportunities and kicking off your wars of 2022 will be at BUDO Fighting Championship 48. Taking on Mikael Karlsson set for the main card, at the Turton sports Centre in Bolton on March 26th. This will be Mikael’s first professional appearance on the pro circuit, have you done anything in the way of research on Mikael leading up to your meeting in the cage at all?
“No, literally nothing. I don’t see that as a necessary thing at this stage of my career. I’m working to get back to an even record and with that in mind, my focus is on me. My performance, my skills. If I show up as the best version of me like I’m planning to, then the rest will be nothing but child’s play.”
In regards to activity, I’m sure your fans are looking forward to seeing you back in action. Do you intend to be as busy as possible this year?
“Yes. 4 fights. No less. I’ve been saying it since last year. If anything, I’m annoyed I’m starting so late in the year, but after covid, I needed a little extra time to get going. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to come.”
The heavyweight division has always been the most talked about and held some of the most explosive match-ups contact sports has ever seen. Without giving too much away, what steps have you been taking with Manchester Top Team to ensure, not only to leave Bolton with your hand raised at the end of the night but also to prove that the division will always be the most anticipated war to witness in MMA?
“It only takes one shot at heavyweight. Just the one. I don’t feel I need to say much else. I’m putting in the work, so the levels will show. I’m blessed to have such great training partners and coaches to grow under.”
The promotion has always managed to give the fans of the UK some of the most talked-about wars across the professional, as well as the amateur divisions across the years. Bringing 47 previous cards with a host of bid names across the Mixed Martial Arts world. March will be no exception, other than your inclusion on the night, are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I’ve got quite a few friends and teammates on the card. I couldn’t pick one specifically. They’re all great athletes and I love the Budo set-up. It’ll be a good night for all.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to shout out to?
“As always, my sponsor True Grit Training and all my teammates and coaches at Manchester Top Team need a huge shout out. As for a message, I’ll let my fight do the talking.”
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