A chat with Blair Tugman
by Brian Woodman Jr. on 08/22/17We recently had a chat with North Haven's Blair Tugman (10-6) regarding his career and upcoming featherweight fight on the main card of Bellator 182 with A.J. McKee (8-0) on August 25 in Verona, New York. Look for more updates on the event later this week.
1. You are one of two Connecticut fighters on the main card for Bellator 182 (editor;s note: Brennan Ward of Waterford will also be on the card in a catchweight fight with Fernando Gonzalesz). Two other CT fighters (Matt Bessette and Carlos Camdelario) achieved national attention for their appearances on the UFC's contender series. In your estimation, is there a budding trend?
Yes. Brennan Ward and I will be fighting on the Bellator 182 Main Card being aired live on Spike TV, August 25th. I think the whole New England area has a bunch of really talented fighters coming up. There are a lot of great MMA promotions in New England that are doing an excellent job of building many local fighters and getting them nationally recognized.(Reality Fighting, CES, etc.) I am confident that you will continue to see numerous New England competitors fighting on bigger stages in the near future.
2. Your wins have all come by
submission or decision. How do you anticipate a potential win over A. J. McKee this month?
I've envisioned the fight playing out a million different ways in the past right weeks of training. I am prepared for any scenario. Id love to finish a young undefeated super star like AJ via TKO and really make a statement.
3. In what areas do you feel your skill set has particularly grown?
In the past six fights I feel I have becomea much more well rounded fighter. Ive become much more comfortable with my striking and would like to continue to showcase those new skills in this fight. I've woked tirelessly with my Coach Andrew Calandrelli on my boxing, kickboxing and blending them with my wrestling. I have a great relationship with Andrew and truly trust in what he is showing me and working on with me. We have added and/or taking out certain techniques because they did not fit with my style. He has helped transform me from just a wrestler/grappler to a "True" mixed martial artist.
4. Who has been your most difficult opponent so far?
I have not had many easy fights in my career. All of my opponents have been tough in one way or another. I feel Andre Soukhamthath is definitely one of the guys that I have fought that gave me my hardest challenge. Andre is now in the UFC and was former CES champion.
5. What is your next career step?
My sights are set on August 25th and AJ McKee right now. I preach to my Team Tugman Wrestling Club members to always focus on the match infront of you. Never look ahead or concern yourself with who you might face next. I stick to that logic here. If everything goes as planned August 25th, I will start thinking about what is next August 26th. Id obviously want to fight again and on an even bigger stage.
Tune in to Spike TV August 25th to see me scrap with AJ McKee!
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