Tom Mullen on getting back to winning ways

Words by Murdo Todd

On September 9, FCC 35’s co-main event will pit lightweight’s Tom Mullen and Markus Maki-Ventela against one another across 3x5 minute rounds.

If you are familiar with Full Contact Contender, you may recognise one half of this bout, the highly talented Tom Mullen.

The 22-year-old has competed on several FCC shows before, both as an amateur and professional, and will enter the fight looking for yet another finish.

Undefeated as an amateur, all but one of his wins came inside the distance – in fact the one decision victory was the only time one of his fights had lasted longer than three minutes! Mullen has kept this pace up in the paid ranks too, finishing all four of his wins inside the first round.

While more than capable on the feet, it has been Mullen’s grappling game that has seen him be so prolific inside the cage. All but two of the Englishman’s wins across amateur and professional have come by way of submission.

Last time out, Mullen battled hard in what was a competitive three round affair against game Israeli, Harel Cohen. Mullen would drop a points decision in what was the co-main of FCC 34.

Coming off his first loss in four years, Mullen will look to correct his mistakes and says that he has been preparing take on anyone.

“I will show my whole game” Mullen began. “I think last time I didn’t show as much, it was more like me just throwing my hands. This time you’re going to see everything the full eight limbs I’ve got. My elbows, knees, kicks, and my hands – you’re going to see everything!

I’m gonna be using my whole game, on the feet and when it hits the floor, you know what my ground game is like, tear anyone to pieces. It’s time to show everything that I can do when I’m in there and just put it all together.

“I’m not saying distance on this,” he continued. “It will be either the first or second [round], 100%. I see me getting out of there, I’m gonna hit him and he’s not gonna want to be there in front of me.”

Ahead of his third FCC fight this year, as well as training in his hometown of Bradford at the likes of Strike Kings, Mullen has recently spent a week training north of the border.

Mullen, travelled up to Higher Level in Bathgate, home of Stevie Ray, Paul Craig, and numerous other top-level fighters.

However, Mullen’s opponent, Maki-Ventla also has a knack for not seeing the final bell – only one of his professional contests has needed the judges. Primarily practicing his trade on the Finnish regional scene, ‘Missa Jakot’ will not take the opportunity to show case his skills on UFC Fight Pass lightly.

After a rocky start to the professional game, Maki-Ventla has enjoyed success over the last 15 months, going 4-1 with three of those coming by stoppage.

When the time comes, this fight should be a fun one, filled with all the facets of MMA, the judges will likely not be necessary.

Get your Tickets for FCC 35, September 9, at fccmma.com or if you can’t make it, enjoy the show at home live on UFC Fight Pass.

How do you see Tom Mullen Vs. Markus Maki-Ventela playing out?