Calm demeanor beneficial for Kurt Southern going into MFC 39 title fight

MMA fighters who step in a cage or ring typically have unique mindsets that allow them to compete in one of the world’s most physically taxing sports.

When it comes to MFC lightweight contender Kurt Southern, that mindset is not one of anger or violence, but one of peace and relaxation.

As Southern (13-4) readies for his upcoming MFC 39 lightweight championship bout opposite Tom Gallicchio (17-8), which goes down Jan. 17 from Northlands Expo Center in Edmonton, Ontario, Canada on AXS TV, he draws on his calm demeanor as an advantage for the most high-profile contest of his career.

“I’m pretty laid back and pretty easygoing most of the time,” Southern told MMAjunkie Radio. “I think it helps for fighting because even though I do get nervous, I’m able to stay calm in there and think about what I’m doing when I’m in the fight.”

The ability to remain composed inside the cage or ring is something even longtime veterans of the sport struggle with each time they compete. For Southern, it’s one of the few aspects of his game that has come naturally.

“I very rarely in my life can remember times where I lose my cool or lose my temper,” Southern said. “It’s just my personality, the way I am. After a fight you’re all pumped up and you get emotional and stuff like that, but as far as getting angry and losing my temper, it’s just not something that’s really part of my personality.”

For Southern, the 155-pound title fight against Gallicchio will be just the second five-round bout of his career, and his first since 2008. The possibility of an additional two rounds of fighting is a daunting task for the Canadian, but one he prepared for.

“I did the preparation you need to do for a five round fight,” Southern said. “Basically just got to boost up your cardio, boost up your rounds of rolling and sparring, go for a few extra runs and sprints.”

With all four of his career defeats coming by submission and all of his opponent’s career finishes coming by submission, it would appear to be in Southern’s best interest to stay off the mat at all costs.

The possibility of having to stave off a dangerous grappler for a potential 25 minutes will be one of the most difficult challenges Southern has encountered in MMA competition thus far.

Fortunately, his ability to stay relaxed helps him through the high-pressure situation, and when the fight begins, he’ll be looking to finish Gallicchio as quickly and decisively as possible.

“I’m going to be ready for [a decision], but I hope it doesn’t go five rounds,” Southern said. “I’m planning on finishing it before it goes there, but if it does, I’ll be ready.”

For the latest on MFC 39, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.

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