Competing in front of a home crowd and headlining the card, former University of Minnesota wrestler Joel Bauman has found himself exactly where he envisioned being.
The Jackson Wink representative Bauman (4-1) arrives following a commanding performance at Gamebred FC's debut event (Jorge Masvidal's bare knuckle MMA promotion) and aims to establish his presence against Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz (8-1) in middleweight competition at CFX 49 in Willmar, Minn., roughly a two-hour drive from his Saint Paul roots.
At 30 years old, Bauman explained that his signature ability to control the tempo is typically what distinguishes him from adversaries, and he anticipates that pattern persisting on Saturday evening.
"Once I began competing at the University of Minnesota, I truly grasped the concept of breaking," Bauman shared during a conversation with MMA Empire.
"That was our objective and team philosophy—always advance, and when you press forward and engage aggressively, you eventually break them. The instant they hesitate, you strike. That's my exact approach in the cage: I understand that if I dictate the pace, no one can sustain it. Ultimately it comes down to desire. Getting broken isn't enjoyable, but breaking someone certainly is, and I'm ready to enjoy myself."
Bauman recognizes the heavy pressure and elite grappling skills that Ksiazkiewicz delivers. Still, he remains convinced Ksiazkiewicz cannot equal his wrestling ability.
Having observed how the Canadian has handled previous opponents on the mat, Bauman has no intention of being an easy target.
"He prefers staying on the ground, likes to mount people and dominate them," Bauman noted.
"I feel completely solid across the board. I hold his ground game in high regard, though I doubt it'll even reach that point. I don't believe he can take me down—I've studied his wrestling. Canada simply doesn't produce wrestlers like we do here; I'm a world-class grappler. He's solid in every area and lands with power. I understand who I am and won't insult him with false modesty. I know my capabilities and carry serious confidence. I respect him, but I have zero concerns heading into this bout."
Following a sluggish 2020 campaign, Bauman stepped back into competition in April with a unanimous decision victory over Canadian prospect Julian Leblanc at LFA 104.
Bauman expressed satisfaction with his showing, yet remains focused on continued development ahead of this upcoming challenge.
"I wanted to compete throughout last year, but the pandemic prevented it," Bauman stated.
"I wanted to stay active, but circumstances didn't allow it. When the LFA opportunity finally arrived, I had to seize it. During that fight, my objective was to demonstrate I'm a well-rounded mixed martial artist—I wanted to showcase every skill. We'd been drilling various game plans at Jackson Wink, and I aimed to win from every position, which I felt I accomplished. But I'm not finished; I improve daily."
Relocating across the country to Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M. proved difficult, yet it has proven transformative for Bauman so far.
Beyond acquiring the techniques necessary to dominate inside the octagon, Bauman is developing the self-assurance that comes from training at such an elite standard.
"Previously, I used to wonder whether I was truly as skilled as I thought—was I genuinely the future talent I believed myself to be?" Bauman reflected.
"Now I'm actually living that reality. Training at Jackson Wink surrounded by all the dangerous fighters I compete alongside, with coaches continuously validating and believing in me, I can no longer doubt myself. I left everything behind to come here and fulfill my purpose and elevate my career, and that's precisely what will happen."
This training cycle offers a pleasant departure from Bauman's career pattern, which has featured numerous short-notice bouts.
With adequate preparation time and a quality adversary waiting across the cage, Bauman is convinced all the pieces are aligning to launch him to the next tier.
"It's refreshing that I have a full month and a half to prepare this time. Usually the timeline is much shorter," Bauman commented.
"I feel energized and genuinely motivated for this one. I'm pumped about the fighter I'm facing. He boasts a strong record and drew attention from his recent Contender Series appearance. All of this combines into the perfect catalyst to drive me forward."
Bauman's Shoutouts
"Coach Wink, Coach Jackson, Joey Villasenor and all my training partners. My family and my children."
