Joffie Kingsley 2-1-0 is an English professional Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division, representing Manchester Top Team. He has competed for Bellator MMA, Contenders Ltd and Budo Fighting Championship.
I’d like to start things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me again today Joffie, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the Budo Fighting Championship 51 card.
“Thanks man, I really appreciate it. It’s good to get the opportunity to get back out there, especially after a year out due to injuries. It’s hard to sit out for such an extended period of time, but it’s good to be finally getting active again.”
After a lengthy absence, your training is now back in full swing, I hope your camp is going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated return to the cage?
“Yeah, I’m not really one for camps to be honest I just kinda train haha. And when the time comes we focus a bit more on specific things, But for this camp as you call it, nothing has really changed. We’ve just been getting back to more full activity, like I said, I’ve worked really hard after my injuries to get back to a place where I feel like I can compete again. I feel ready to go now, it’s gonna be an opportunity to show that I’ve increased my levels once again and get myself back on to a winning trail.”
What has been your main focus since returning to training at Manchester Top Team?
“So a lot of focus for me at first was put on my striking because I’ve always felt like it was somewhere I don’t really excel in. I definitely feel like I excel when it comes to grappling exchanges, but recently it’s been more of a mental switch for me than anything. I found that having spoken to a lot of people and watching back a lot of my fights, there were some that I didn’t necessarily agree with how they were stopped. I feel it’s been more of a mentality shift for myself, stupid as it sounds I no longer wanna start slow. I want car crashes, I want violence, not to be nasty when I say this but my outlook now is that before every fight I’m gonna dig two graves because if I’m going to one I want you to come with me.”
Brilliant outlook mate, I remember seeing that when I first caught you in action at Contenders 31.
“Yeah, I was kinda grateful for that experience. Because before I just wanted to go out there and build fairly slowly and build into things, now I’ve got no interest in doing that. I’m not being paid to be in there for a long time and I’m certainly not getting paid to lose.”
As many in the violent yet exhilarating world of mixed martial arts know, Injury and bout cancellations are part and parcel of everyday life. How does it feel to be fully fit again and to finally get back into the cage after so many setbacks?
“It feels good to finally get back into where I should be, in terms of my fitness and my health. I can’t do this forever, getting injuries really brings me down. I look at people getting opportunities in the sport right now, and I wanna be pushing for those things, getting to the next level. It feels good to be getting back to where I feel I should be, this is gonna be an opportunity to show that I’ve advanced my skills and I’m ready for the next level.”
To make that sort of a statement for such a significant place for yourself such as Budo as well must be a great feeling.
“Yeah, I’ve fought on the Budo card in the past and I really do enjoy it there. I’ve got a good relationship with the people down there, it’s good to go back, but I’m looking to get back on the larger stages again.”
Making your pro debut for them back in 2019 for the Bolton-based organisation will make Budo FC a special place for you to compete. With Your previously secured return being put on hold for Budo 48, was it always your plan to the Budo cage?
“I think for me, I enjoy the environment at Budo. There are a lot of good shows on the regional scene I’m not knocking any of them, but I feel the channel of communication I have with Chris Clarke is really beneficial for me. In the way of I’ve got a very clear understanding of what’s going on with the organisation, where everything is going to be and where I need to be. Having clear channels of communication is something I find important, so when I don’t have those I find it difficult. One of the things I benefit from is having that good relationship, so it always makes me wanna go back. With it being such a small environment, it’s always quite exciting to get there because it feels very intense for me.”
I’ve caught a few of their cards in the past, very well run I have to admit.
“Definitely, I like how Budo’s ran, It’s clear and concise in how it’s gonna go.”
You are set to take on Mathias Hanson in a Heavyweight bout that nobody in attendance is going to want to miss. What are your thoughts on Mathias in the build-up to your scheduled meeting?
“I’m not really worried about what he brings to the table, to be totally honest I haven’t really thought about it. I know what I’m bringing to the table, like I said, 2 graves are already dug, I don’t plan on getting in mine this time. It’s time to show the progression I’ve made is some of the best you can make out there, Manchester Top Team has been great for me.”
There definitely are some killers over there.
“Tons of them brother, I’m the least of everybody’s worries.”
With many match-ups already secured and packed full of some of the UK’s top talent, there is no shadow of a doubt that the night is not to be missed. Other than your inclusion on the night, are there any match-ups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“Definitely, one of the reasons I really like Budo, is it gives a lot of the amateurs a great opportunity to get out there. There are quite a good few amateurs on the card, I know Abdul Choudhury’s gonna be fighting in a Flyweight Championship eliminator, I’m always interested in what he brings. Cam Chamberlain is one of my good friends, he’ll be fighting at Bantamweight so I’ll be very excited to see what he brings to the table, his IQ is something I’m even a fan of. Karl Fletcher fighting out of SBG Rochdale and I believe there’s an amateur Middleweight Championship bout I’ll be quite interested to watch between Ryan McNally and Zygi Ribinskas.”
I’ve spoken to Abdul and Karl in the past, I have to agree they are great to watch out there. I’ve spoken to quite a few amateurs this year and I completely agree that they deserve great opportunities, they really are the roots of the sport.
“They’re all on a different level and are training like pros at the minute. They’re all in the pro team sessions as much as everybody else, training with a lot of big guys. It’s good to see them getting the recognition they deserve.”
100 percent. It’s always a pleasure catching up with you Joffie, I wish you all the best for Budo 51 and I look forward to witnessing you out there.
“Thank you, brother.”
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“Just get ready for my last one at Heavyweight, before the end of the year I’ll be looking to go down to Light-Heavyweight. All these Light-Heavys can look forward to the lovely sound of high hopes as I walk in with a smile on my face and Bury them. We definitely need to catch up soon because of Steve Langford’s bout at Golden Ticket Fight Promotions, he’s gonna get called out just for the fun. I got offered him at Heavyweight but then he moved down to Light-Heavy, I want him next.”
“Thanks to everyone that comes to support me, I think the shout-out’s can wait until I make it to the big time.”
Tickets are available now for Budo FC 51, follow the link to purchase here
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