Looking at the roster set to participate, it’s literally anybody’s ballgame with a mixture of veterans and newer fighters set to compete.
One of them is a young man by the name of Devin Christopherson out of Mont Belveieu, TX.
He made his debut this past June at IMKF 3, winning by first round TKO over BVMMA’s David McClung. Now he’ll look to make it 2-0 as a pro in the first round of the “Tournament of Immortality.”
We recently caught up with Devin to discuss his participation in this upcoming event.
Interview – Devin Christopherson
Devin, give us a quick summary on where you are right now as a fighter heading into the IMKFight tournament this weekend.
I believe I am completely different person from when I first started in august of 2009. Back then I didn’t even really know how to do submissions. My first fight basically was just stepping in the ring right off the street. Now I’m choking guys unconscious in the cage…crazy. My mind set is different though also. I have more of a respect for people now and it keeps my head on straight. My improvement has been for the best. I’m still young and have a lot to accomplish. I would say I’m thankful for the chances I am given right now. I wasn’t a big name as an amateur with only a handful of fights and long breaks in between so for IMK to give me a chance as a pro makes me appreciate it that much more.
What’s your motivation heading into the second fight of your pro career?
My motivation is just the love for the sport. The competition is like no other. I love testing my skills against another fighter and seeing who the better man is that night. It’s funny because my trainer always tells me I’m to calm about it. That’s just how I am though. I guess I’m just anxious to get in the cage and put on a show. No emotion really.
What else has been on your mind in getting ready for this event?
Right now all I am doing is training. I usually work as a Safety Technician in the plants but right now I’m focusing on this tournament and whoever my opponent is in front of me.
Who are you fighting in the first round and how are you approaching this fight?
I believe I’m matched up against Thomas Eastland. Honestly we don’t know much about the guy. He has more experience than me for sure but I’m confident in what my abilities and plan on coming home with a win.
How’s training camp been in getting ready for Saturday?
It’s been good. Most everyone I would be fighting is dropping down in weight class for 170 in this tournament. That’s my natural weight and all I’ve ever fought at so working a lot on my strength and conditioning.
Any predictions?
Like I said before we don’t know a lot about my opponent. I predict a submission but certainly will take whatever he gives me.
What’s next for you after this fight? Any plans?
I plan on going all the way in this tournament and winning the welterweight belt. My camp will take it one fight at a time though and prepare me for whatever lies ahead.
Any last words before IMKF 4?
I would like to thank you for this interview. All my friends and family coming to see me fight October 20th. IMK for giving me this opportunity. My teammates who helped me prepare for this all the hard work we have put in. I especially want to thank Bruce and Larry Viator for making it possible for me to be where I am today. They stuck with me and gave me the tools to accomplish it all.