PROFESSIONAL PUSH
Not since last October has Torrez Finney stepped into the ring of MMA competition. That gap in time ends April 22, when the former two-sport standout from Jones County puts his 4-0 record on the line against Caleb Crump at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The bout will have its healthy share of pressure.
The event, with tickets on sale at FighterTix.com, has sold out, although a small amount of tickets were added last weekend.
Not only that, but as Finney’s aspirations to move up in the MMA ranks to fight within UFC or a similar organization, the spotlight on him also increases.
Finney, however, is taking it all in stride.
“The pressure has been on me from day one.
Fighting is fighting; there will always be pressure.
It’s about how you channel it. One thing you hear a lot in MMA is that every time you win, the next one will be just as tough,” Finney said. “Every time you step in the cage, you have to be ready for anything, and I am ready for everything.
I believe that I belong in UFC and among the best in the world, and I’m looking forward to proving that on April 22.”
Since his previous fight, Finney has been fine-tuning his skills and technique, taking full advantage of a lull, a timing of his schedule that he says has actually been a good thing.
“It’s more of a good thing. Last year I fought four times and that’s a lot for an MMA fighter.
For me to get that many fights in my first year as pro, that was pretty good,” Finney said. “It gave me a chance to get my skills better and I continue to grow as an MMA fighter.
At first, I was anxious. But now looking back, it was so beneficial.”
With Finney’s future goals, it’s not lost on him that this fight could be the final one close to home.
He has fought previous pro bouts in Macon and Savannah, for example.
“This might be the last one. It’s been a blessing to fight in Macon, Savannah and in Knoxville as an amateur,” Finney said.
“There’s no better way to potentially have this be my last fight and get that next fight.”
Compared to Finney’s previous opponents, Crump has more of a grappling background than others.
“He’s a guy that has more grappling. He has wrestled before and also has done some jiu-jitsu,” Finney said. “He has a grappling background that’s more than anyone I have fought. I feel like he will test me, but I believe in my skill sets and what I bring to the table. He has to deal with me.”
