Callan Potter is riding a six fight win streak and if that isn’t impressive enough the Melbourne local who fights out of Renegade MMA has finished each and every one of them in devastating fashion.
After dominating the local scene and picking up three major straps along the way ‘The Rockstar’ has earned a reputation for being one of the hardest working athletes in the game and is eager to take his career to the next level with a spot on the UFC roster.
“I’m the number one lightweight in Australia. I’ve accepted every challenge that has come my way. I fight the best and I beat the best. I have put together a campaign over the last twelve months that cannot be denied,” Potter told Fight News Australia.
When asked who he would like to face in his UFC debut, Potter named New Zealand’s Kieran Joblin – also an unsigned lightweight but without a doubt one of the hottest prospects this side of the globe at 155lb (70kg).
“Kieran (Joblin) is a name that came up instantly in conversation when discussing prospective opponents. He is one of the best lightweights in Oceania. He’s cleaned out his division, as have I. We have earned our spot and I’d love to upset him in his hometown.”
Email correspondence has already been forthcoming between Potter and UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. Whilst nothing has been confirmed as yet Potter remains confident that his performance inside the cage and burgeoning fan base will get the job done.
“This card is still only fifty percent filled. Everything that has needed to be said inside the cage has been said. I have the titles, I’ve got the wins. That job is done. I understand that the UFC is a business and personal promotion is a must to bring in audiences and I’ve been working hard to ensure that the right people now know my name.”
While Potter believes himself to be deserving of the next coveted spot at UFC Auckland, there have been those who have questioned his ability to hang with high level strikers given his penchant for grappling and submission victories of which he has nine to date.
“I know people think of me as just a grappling guy but I have a highlight reel head-kick knock out to my name. I’ve traded blows with one of the most respected strikers in Isaac Tisdell, a guy who hadn’t been beaten in many years. I know I made mistakes in my last fight against Abel (Brites) however I still managed to find my composure and do what I had to win.
“I knew going into that fight that Abel was a very dangerous opponent. My team and I took him very seriously and he proved us right.”
Another reason why Potter is keen to make his way onto UFC Auckland is so that he can experience fight week alongside training partner and friend Dan Kelly who is scheduled to fight Derek Brunson in the co-main event. Kelly has recently moved into the middleweight rankings and Potter believes that underdog status is no longer fitting for the veteran.
“Dan (Kelly) has pushed past the term underdog. I think people are starting to take him very seriously now that he has beaten a former champ in Rashad Evans. I am really excited for this match up. I believe Brunson has a lot of strengths as a striker and wrestler but his weaknesses definitely play into Dan’s favour. Dan has only one direction and that is forward and that kind of relentless pressure is going to be tough to beat.”
Should the dream of the UFC not come to fruition in the coming months, Potter has plans to defend his titles in an effort to stay active however he has said that he believes competition is scarce and may potentially be a lose/lose situation.
“I definitely want to defend my belts if the UFC don’t come calling. I’m talking to both HEX and Eternal about potential challengers at the moment however for me right now fighting locally is a bit of a lose/lose with not much to gain. I really feel I am ready for the big stage now but I don’t want to sit on the shelf either – I’d be tearing my hair out and let’s face it there’s not much left!”
Fans can follow Callan’s journey on the following social media:
Facebook: Callan “The Rockstar” Potter
Twitter: @rockstarcalpot
