Piotr Hallmann: 'I'm Going To Do My Best To Earn This Title'

Piotr Hallmann (10-1) is regarded as one of Poland's brightest up-and-coming talents in mixed martial arts. On October 21st, he'll have chance to assert himself as one of Europe's top fighters, when he takes on Vaso Bakocevic (11-1-1) with the vacant WFC lightweight championship at stake.

 

Originally slated to fight Leonardo Zecchi (5-3) at the Hala Tivoli, Hallmann was given the title opportunity on less than two weeks' notice after a pull-out from Bojan Kosednar (9-6). Despite the lack of preparation time for his new opponent, Piotr is in great condition and confident entering the biggest bout of his blossoming career to date. He said,

 

"I'm very pleased about this chance. If I win this fight it will be a huge step in my career, probably the biggest so far. Vaso's record is good and he seems to be strong. I'm sure our fight will be as good as a fight for the belt should be.

 

"It's too late for any significant changes to my training. Right after I got back from my last fight with a very good opponent, I started preparing for WFC 17. I've been working really hard. I'm in good shape and I'm going to show it on October 21st."

 

Hallmann's next foe is known as the 'Psychopath,' and likes to intimidate his rivals ahead of their bouts. Does this concern the Pole?

 

"Not at all," retorted Piotr. "It doesn't mean anything to me during the fight. I'm focused on only one goal, and that's doing my best in the ring."

 

The Mighty Bulls team member acknowledges that with the profile of this scrap comes increased attention, but is using this to drive him forward. He noted,

 

"There's a saying that 'the higher you get, the harder you fall.' I feel a lot of pressure, but it's more motivating, rather than frustrating."

 

Now less than a week away from fight night, what does Hallmann think will happen in Ljubljana?

 

"Nobody knows that," stated Piotr. "There's only one thing I know for sure, and that's that I'm going to do my best to earn this title."

 

Will he raise gold, or is it going to be Bakocevic that gets his hand raised? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, it's fight week! Make sure you get your tickets at eventim.si to guarantee yourself the best seat in the house at WFC 17: ‘Olimp Live & Fight.’ To purchase the live stream of the show, visit WFCTV.com.