Chase Waldon Predicts Quick Finish in RFA Title Fight | MMAWeekly.com

Heading into 2016, middleweight veteran Chase Waldon had won six straight fights, so it appeared things couldn’t get much better for him, but instead he’s been able to step things up this year and pick up two fast first-round finishes in his bouts.

First in his February Legacy FC bout against Justin Winkles-Camparetto, where he picked up a 28-second TKO, and again in July where he got a 15-second TKO of Austen Heidlage at RFA 40.  Overall it’s been a great year for Waldon.

“I’ve been working my striking and timing, and have been making really intelligent decisions from distance,” Waldon told MMAWeekly.com. “I’ve always had good striking at the gym and great hands, but I don’t know whether it’s the pressure of the fights that have not allowed me to use it to the best of my abilities.

“Whatever it is, but this last year it has really started to come together well. I’m basically able to go in there and use my speed and athleticism, and get the fight ended quickly.”

Waldon feels he’s at a point where he doesn’t have to force the issue. Waldon can just react and let things happen naturally in his fights.

“When I go in there I’m not looking for anything specific, but I’ve got great basics,” he said. “I spend a lot of time just working on the simple stuff, so when the opportunities come, my mind is already trained and I can push that button.

“It’s not really anything specific. If they start making mistakes and I’m noticing, then I jump on it. If I can, I like to jump on it immediately. That’s kind of how the last few fights have went.”

Waldon’s quick wins have earned him a main event slot at RFA 45 in a 185-pound title on Friday in Prior Lake, Minn., against fellow hot-streaking Gerald Meerschaert (23-8).

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“If I go out there and I just perform how I’ve been performing at the gym, I’ll get the win within the first or second round, without a doubt,” said Waldon.

“I know Gerald brings a pretty good camp to the table and he trains with top level guys, but he can’t bring those guys into the cage with him, so I’m not too worried about it. CM Punk trained with all those guys too, and look how it worked out for him.”

While a title is a good accolade for Waldon to have, he’s more concerned with getting an opportunity to step up another level and make more of a career for himself in MMA.

“The title will look great on my resume,” Waldon said. “No doubt about it, the RFA is the number one feeder promotion to the UFC and has been so for a while. The title, yeah it’s huge on my resume.

“I’m excited about fighting a five-round fight and maybe see those championship rounds. That would be a phenomenal experience for me as I go forward with my career. I care about making money and what the smartest choice is for me – and right now the smartest choice for me is this title fight.”

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