The year draws to a thrilling close as Unified MMA returns to the Genesis Centre in Calgary, Alta. for Unified MMA 47 this Friday evening.
Devon Brock (10-5) is traveling cross-country from California to face Lethbridge, Alta.'s Tom O'Connor (10-2) in a lightweight bout that marks Brock's first appearance in the promotion.
"I'll admit it—I was pumped right up until I found out the warmest it'd be was around six degrees Fahrenheit. What even is that, man," Brock told MMA Empire.
"A week or two back it looked manageable, but then this week hit and I realized oh no. I'm a pampered California kid. I picked up a winter coat, but I hadn't owned one before this fight—none at all."
After beginning his professional career at 4-4, Brock has been building momentum and is ready to bring his winning ways to Canada. He's captured six of his last seven contests and hopes to string together four consecutive victories on Friday.
"Revising my mindset has been the biggest game-changer. I realized it goes beyond just physical preparation," Brock shared.
"I needed to look at things differently. I know I'll be conditioned and won't gass out—that's not what wins me fights. My losses have always come from mental errors. I need to stay sharp and keep distractions from outside the cage from messing with me, like they've done before."
Brock has studied his opponent thoroughly and sees a real test ahead against O'Connor's grappling-focused game plan.
"I've watched him fight—he's got a different flavor. He succeeds in his own way with a unique style, pretty unconventional if I'm being honest," Brock noted.
"From what I see, he leans heavily on wrestling. But with his striking, he throws stuff you wouldn't anticipate. Back home, me and some buddies call it 'ratchet.' In one of his recent fights he pulled off this jump-spin move—it didn't land well at all and I was thinking, what on earth was that? Still, it works for him."
Even though most of Brock's victories have come through stand-up exchanges, he remains confident in his ground game and his capacity to dictate where the fight goes.
"They're going to want to push this to the mat, obviously—but who knows, maybe I'll bring it down myself," Brock said.
"Statistically, I've been tapped twice—once by a black belt, and once in my second pro outing. I don't get taken down easily, and even if I do, I'm not staying there long. The ground isn't my weakness. I just haven't had many chances to display what I can do down there."
Brock prides himself on putting on exciting performances, wherever the fight is held and whoever's watching.
He'll have a shot to impress—and earn new supporters—this Friday night on UFC Fight Pass.
"I'm always the underdog. I might start calling myself The Spoiler," Brock joked.
"Where I fight doesn't matter—someone's always counting on me to fall short, and I thrive on disproving those predictions. I stay focused on my own game. They have to beat me; I don't need to beat them. I'm going for a strong showing, a win, and hopefully catching the attention of major promotions."
Brock's shoutouts
"To all my family, friends, coaches, and teammates. Also a shoutout to my brand: Built 2 Win." Stay connected with Brock on social media: INSTAGRAM
