Dillon Tolbert relishing underdog role at Shamrock 321
Dillon Tolbert enters the cage for the 10th time as a professional at Shamrock 321 on Aug. 10 in Kansas City, MO. Before he takes center stage on FITE, he spoke with FightBook MMA.
How did you find MMA in the first place?
I don’t really know (laughs). I really enjoyed it when I was a kid and I wondered why it wasn’t a bigger thing. I wrestled in high school, fell into MMA, and one thing led to another.
How do you feel about what you’ve accomplished so far?
Not very good, really. Since I turned pro, my career has been on more of a downhill slide than I ever imagined. Certain life situations going on threw my career sideways. I’m hungry to get back on track.
Do you think you’re a lot better than a 4-5 record would indicate?
Oh, 100 percent. I feel like I’m leaps and bounds ahead of that. I don’t like to make excuses, but I’ve made mistakes in my pro career and I’m working really hard to get back to where I need to be. I’m much better than my record says. I don’t mind being an underdog for the time being (laughs).
What did you take away from your last fight?
That’s a tough one. I was in great shape for that fight, I was really excited, then I got clipped right away. I wasn’t hurt, I was getting up and going for a takedown when the ref stopped it. I’ve just gotta take it as it is, put my head down and keep working.
How excited are you to get back to action and turn the page on that loss?
I’m unbelievably excited! I’ve been waiting on this opportunity, and I jumped on it. I’m excited to go out there and show what I’ve got.
What’s the most likely outcome for this fight?
I’d like to see a third-round submission on my end. I hope he’s got a gas tank and he’s durable — I’m not downplaying him at all — but I don’t see him lasting until the third round in that cage with me. It’s going to be a good one.
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.
