Must win bout for MMA’s ‘Stonecutter’
The term ‘‘must win’’ is often thrown around willy-nilly, but it’s a fitting description for Kieran Joblin’s latest mixed martial arts (MMA) bout.
Joblin lost his past two fights to slip to third in the Australasian lightweight standings with a 20-9 record, and isn’t shying away from the fact he needs to get back to winning.
Standing before the Christchurch-based 29-year-old at the Absolute Champion Berkut on Australia’s Gold Coast is Russian Bai-Ali Shaipov, who will put his undefeated (3-0) record on the line on Saturday night.
‘‘He’s undefeated and has a strong wrestling Sambo base . . . so I’m looking to make it a dog fight – not a grappling match. I’ll have to hit him as much as possible,’’ Joblin said.
‘‘It hasn’t been a good year for me but I’ve refocused my training and worked really hard over the last couple of months to work on my weaknesses.’’
Joblin, a stonemason by day who uses ‘‘Stonecutter’’ as his fighting name, had a four-win streak snapped by Japanese pro Kazuki Tokudome at Pancrase 288 in Tokyo in July, before losing to Australian Isaac Hardman at XFC 31 in Brisbane in August. Another loss wouldn’t just hurt Joblin’s ranking, it will also deny him further opportunities. Beating Shaipov should secure Joblin another fight with Japanese promotion Pancrase, who offered him a twofight contract last November.
‘‘If I beat this guy convincingly, it will get me back on track and give me some good options for next year,’’ Joblin said.
He believes he’s improved significantly since losing to Hardman, who secured a fourthround TKO.
‘‘I learned a lot from that loss, mostly mental and confidence – that’s the difference between winning and losing,’’ Joblin said.
‘‘I’ve made a big focus on selfbelief and confidence. I have always had the skill it’s just refining them and backing myself.’’