“People always think I’m pandering to the crowd when I go to local shows and I say how much I enjoy going to those, but it’s a little bit different when there’s people in the crowd that really know the fighters,” said Battle. “The people know the fighters and the fighters know the people. It’s a different emotional energy at those regional shows; it’s almost tribal a little bit. You got your boys and you’re going into Kentucky and the hometown guy’s house. Or this guy from Colorado’s coming over to fight you in North Carolina. So there’s a little more of that on the regional scene. It’s a little bit more romantic. There’s some things I miss, but I wouldn’t go back. (Laughs) I’m happy where I am for sure.”
Did he just say “romantic?”
“Those times are the foundation of who I am as a fighter today,” said Battle, doubling down on the unique beauty of the regional fight scene. But these days, the only way he’ll be at a regional show is as a spectator or cornerman, because he’s in the big show with three wins and a high upside. Is it high enough that he’s starting to feel unbeatable? How’s that for a loaded question?
Where We Stand: Light Heavyweight Division | December 2022
“Definitely not unbeatable, but I feel like I can beat anybody,” he said. “That’s what’s crazy about it. Striking and grappling are so constantly evolving. There’s a part of the game where you think you’ll have it locked down and a year goes by and there’s a new tweak that’s been added to the technique that now makes it a really big problem. And I did get to the game late, so it’s crazy, because now, I’m technically better than I’ve ever been and it’s crazy that I got to where I am without being as technically proficient as I am now. So I’m just excited. Takashi, I didn’t really get to show a whole lot so I’m excited for this fight. There’s definitely gonna be opportunities in there, just based on things he does, that the fight could end quick. He’s also shown the ability to end a fight quick, so we both have that ability, but even if it goes long, I’m excited to show how much different I’ve look as opposed to the last time everyone saw me.”
Not unbeatable, but able to beat anybody. I like it. That’s a young man who is confident, not cocky, before he makes the longest walk in sports again this weekend.
“The confidence has definitely gone higher,” Battle said. “When I started training, I always envisioned that, but there’s a difference between seeing it and stuff actually going your way. If you see yourself at the top of the game, you gotta work to the best of your ability that you feel like people at the top of the game would do so you’re prepared for that when you get there. There’s definitely still a lot of growth that I can still have, but I feel like I have the ability to compete with anybody. I’ll pay my dues, I’ll climb up the ladder, but if an opportunity shows itself, I’ll be prepared to take it.”
