Elvis Mutapcic Plans to Take MFC Middleweight Title into Breakout Year

For MFC middleweight contender Elvis Mutapcic, his promotional debut in August against Jacen Flynn couldn’t have gone much better.

“I went out there and fought at my pace and I thought I performed pretty well,” said Mutapcic of his 99-second TKO victory. “I thought the fight was going to go longer, but it ended pretty quick, so I’m happy about that.

“I was prepared for the best Jacen ever and assumed he was a well-rounded fighter, which he was, but landed a good knee on his chin and ended the fight.”

Getting a chance to gain exposure in the MFC was a big step forward, according to Mutapcic.

“It definitely felt good to fight in front of a larger crowd, more people, and get more exposure and show case my skills and showcase what I’ve got,” he said.

Mutapcic’s reward for his performance is an opportunity to win the promotion’s 185-pound championship at MFC 35 Friday night live on AXS TV. He faces former Ultimate Fighter participant Joseph Henle for the vacant title.

“Henle’s a tough guy. He’s well-rounded, but I think I’m better in every area,” said Mutapcic. “I think that the first mistake he makes, I’m going to capitalize on it and get the W.

“I think both of us are going to turn it up off the bat. I think both of us are seasoned enough and well-rounded enough that nobody’s going to make a mistake without putting pressure on the other guy. I think both of us are going to come forward and neither of us is going to back down. It should be a good show for the crowd.”

Mutapcic told MMAWeekly.com that he sees Friday night as a chance to take a big step forward in his career.

“This is exactly what I need. I want to fight the best in the world, and Henle’s one of those guys I’ve got to get over just to keep moving up,” he said.

Should Mutapcic make it past Henle, he sees no reason why it won’t set up for what could very well be a breakout year for him in 2013.

“I want to take it one fight at a time, but I think next year will be a bigger year than 2012,” he said. “I had to take some time off due to injury and then took some time off before this last fight, so I think next year will be a bigger year than this one.

“I’m currently a full-time fighter, but I also have a full-time job, and I just want to be able to support my family and do what I love instead of working a job. That’s the main goal right now.”

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