Elvis Mutapcic on WSOF Debut: “I Want People to Know Who I Am”

With five straight wins and an overall 13-2 record, Elvis “The King” Mutapcic is heading into Saturday’s World Series of Fighting as one of the promotion’s premier new additions.

During his current streak, Mutapcic has defeated the likes of top prospects Cezar Ferreira and Joseph Henle, and most recently he outlasted Sam Alvey for the MFC 185-pound championship in February.

“It felt good to know I had enough gas in the tank to go all five rounds,” said Mutapcic of his win over Alvey. “Once in a while it’s good to test yourself, and I really had to dig down deep to finish those rounds strong.

“I think I was able to control the fight when I wanted to. Even though being the smaller guy, I felt great and did good all around.”

Mutapcic’s success has earned him a spot in the WSOF four-man middleweight tournament, along with David Branch, Danillo Villefort and his opponent on Saturday night, Jesse Taylor, to determine the promotion’s first 185-pound champion.

When it comes to Taylor (26-9), Mutapcic knows he’ll have to stay mobile and keep his opponent on defense.

“I’ve got to stay active, whether it’s on the feet or on the ground, I’ve got to move,” said Mutapcic. “I’ve got to punish him every time he’s trying to go on the offensive. I have to make sure he respects me for whatever he’s trying to do.

“As long as I stay moving, I think I’ll have this fight under control.”

With a title already in hand, Mutapcic was asked if he feels he’s the man to beat in this tournament.

“I don’t think like that,” he said. “I’ve got a tough fight in this one and the next one isn’t going to be any easier. I can’t take any advantage over them since my last fight or my previous fights.”

While he’s modest about his chances in the WSOF tournament, Mutapcic told MMAWeekly.com that he feels he’s on the right path and as long as he continues down it, there’s no reason why he can’t be viewed as one of the best middleweights in the world.

“I spend all my free time trying to better myself, so absolutely I want to keep moving up in the world and I want to leave my name known when I’m done fighting. I want people to know who I am,” he said. “If I keep doing what I’m doing, I think I can accomplish that.”