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The trademark moustache and laidback Tasmanian angle stay, however Rob Wilkinson did enable himself one luxurious after incomes $1.5 million as Australia’s first PFL world champion final 12 months.
”I purchased myself a Porsche Macan,” the person referred to as ‘Razor’ instructed Huge World of Sports activities on the eve of Sunday’s 2023 season opener.
“That was slightly deal with for myself and it felt bizarre for the primary week or so, driving round in a Porsche. I used to be very nervous that somebody was going to run into it or one thing. However, yeah, it was good.”
Watch all of the motion from the 2023 Skilled Fighters League, that includes Australian champion Rob Wilkinson. Streaming advert free, stay and on demand on Stan Sport
Gentle heavyweight Wilkinson earned the large payday by demolishing Russia’s Omari Akhmedov at New York’s iconic Madison Sq. Backyard in November, finishing an unbeaten season.
He now lives in Denver together with his companion Paris however other than the brand new wheels reckons “my life is just about the identical.”
“Clearly it is good having a bit of cash within the checking account and never stressing about that,” Wilkinson stated.
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“Just a few extra interviews and media stuff. It was good going again house to Hobart over summer season and some individuals recognised me on the road or got here up and congratulated me.
“However in addition to that I simply really feel like usual me.”
The 31-year-old credit his 2018 loss to Israel Adesanya – which led to his UFC launch – because the wake-up name he wanted to ignite his profession.
He was a person possessed final 12 months and, forward of Sunday’s PFL 1 conflict with Thiago Santos in Las Vegas, now considers himself a “full fighter.”
“My purpose is to be recognised as the perfect on this planet,” Wilkinson stated.
“Clearly some individuals suppose the UFC is best than PFL or rank the fighters within the UFC greater than different promotions.
Tasmanian pummels his solution to $1.5m
“However we have seen time and time once more that there is excessive degree guys in all promotions. And in the mean time I am one of the crucial dominant mild heavyweights. I’ve bought all finishes since I’ve moved as much as mild heavyweight. I plan on having a dominant 12 months with one other world title. After which I feel I will begin actually getting that recognition that I consider I deserve.”
Reasonably than resting on his laurels, Wilkinson used the Australian summer season to re-set his objectives, together with some that ”ought to scare you.”
He was once thought of a grappling specialist however labored on his hanging final 12 months and bought all of his knockouts from his ft.
“So I really feel like I’ve proven that off however I’ve bought extra. This 12 months I actually need to mix these two abilities collectively. I do not need to simply be hanging. I do not need to simply be wrestling. I actually need to mix these collectively and present that I am a really nicely rounded fighter.”
His first struggle in opposition to veteran Brazilian Santos, scheduled for 11am Sunday AEST, was essential to setting that normal for the 2023 season.
“He was one of many high 10 guys when he left the UFC so going on the market and beating him and making a press release in opposition to him will actually present that I am the man to beat,” Wilkinson stated.
“I need to make everybody not need to be combating me. I need to make whoever will get me subsequent be upset that they have me.”
Wilkinson stated he wasn’t the kind of fighter that constructed up hatred in direction of an opponent however he thrived on the competitors and the science behind elite MMA.
“I do a whole lot of visualisation work. It is a exhausting feeling to explain however I am very switched on and targeted on what I’ll do. I simply encompass myself with this vitality that I am sort of invincible going on the market.”
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