Anthony Wright Eyes Another Finish in CES Debut

North Carolina standout Anthony Wright makes his CES MMA debut against Dylan Lockard at CES 53 on Nov. 2 in Lincoln, R.I., on AXS TV Fights. Before that, the fast-rising prospect spoke with FightBook MMA.

How did you find MMA to begin with?

I was in Gulfport, MS. I was running a jewelry store and some guys came by the store. It was right when Alan Belcher had just moved his gym to a new location. I was about 240 pounds and went to the gym for my first jiujitsu class and I was hooked.

What’s kept you in the sport all these years?

Just the competitive spirit. Martial arts is probably the first thing I’ve ever done just for myself. The competitive nature of it is an outlet. If I go too long without hitting the gym, something doesn’t sit right.

How would you describe yourself as a fighter?

Well-rounded. Highly-adaptive. I’m aggressive. Wherever the fight goes, I’m well equipped to handle myself.

Do you think Dylan Lockard has fought anyone like you before?

Not necessarily as well-rounded as me. I think he’s fought some guys who are well-equipped in certain aspects such as wrestling, grappling, or striking. But based on what I’ve seen none of them have been as well-rounded as me.

What’s the most perfect outcome to this fight?

Me winning via submission or finish. A finish one way or another.

Where would you like to be twelve months from today?

I’d like to have entered the CES cage one or two more times and take every opportunity that comes my way. I don’t have a set plan, but I’m just taking every opportunity that comes my way.

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Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.