Keith Carson is all about giving the fans what they want.
The San Bernardino, California native, Carson (7-7), is preparing to deliver entertainment when he squares off against Michael Imperato (9-4) at bantamweight during the Front Row Fight Club 1 main event on Saturday evening in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Carson's return marks his first appearance in mixed martial arts competition since February 2020, after spending the intervening months competing in boxing.
The 30-year-old fighter says he feels significantly stronger and more refined as a competitor upon returning to the sport.
"I'm very excited. I've been working on a lot of different things. Have grown since my last fight. I feel I've gotten better; I've evolved as a person," said Carson in an interview with MMA Empire.
Despite accumulating 14 professional bouts already, Carson is prepared to take on an opponent with Imperato's level of experience.
According to Carson, Imperato's greatest strength lies in grappling, but the California fighter believes he can compete effectively on the mat while preferring to work primarily from the striking range.
"I know that he's well-versed on the ground. I'm not afraid to be on the ground being that I have wrestling experience. Ready for wherever the fight goes. I'm honestly just going to fight, that's just what I intend to do," said Carson.
"I've always told myself in MMA the fight starts standing, so it's 50-50. Honestly, I just have to make it where that other 50 can go my way. But you know, anything can happen. I just want to wish Michael Imperato all the best. I'm not taking nothing from him, but I'm coming to fight. Let's just give the audience a show."
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