Jared Kilkenny takes his shot at redemption at Unified 38
Jul 24, 2019
EDMONTON — Jared Kilkenny has a shot at redemption at Unified 38. The heavy-handed big man takes aim at fast-rising Christian Larsen for the vacant Unified MMA Heavyweight Title on Sept. 27 at River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch, AB. This is Kilkenny’s second title shot in the Unified MMA cage; in his most recent outing he fell short in his quest for gold against newly signed UFC heavyweight Tanner Boser. Before Unified 38, he spoke with Unified MMA’s Ed Kapp.
What did you take away from your fight with Tanner Boser at Unified 37?
First off, huge congrats to Tanner Boser for his new UFC contract! I learned a lot from that fight. Some good, some bad (laughs). I’ve learned my cardio is finally where it needs to be. Knowing I have gas in the tank for three-plus rounds is a huge confidence boost. I’ve also learned that I need to be more aggressive, pull the trigger, and not wait for “the perfect shot.” I cut people up with my jabs; there’s no need to wait for the kill shot. And obviously I’ve learned that checking kicks is something I need to improve on!
How excited are you to be back in action?
I’m extremely excited to get back in the cage. Obviously the finish of the last fight left a sour taste in my mouth. So I’m excited to wash it out with the taste of blood and gold.
What does fighting for this championship mean to you?
It means a lot. It will be validation of years of hard work, and the perfect thank you to my team and training partners for all the hours spent with me on the mats.
How will this fight go differently than your first match with Christian?
I think this fight has to go differently. Chris is a completely different fighter since we first tangled. Coming off two impressive wins and in a great camp, it’s expected he’s evolved as an athlete. That’s the nature of the sport and the training. Conversely, I’m also growing and improving as a fighter. I’m bigger, better and faster every single day.
What’s the most likely outcome for this fight?
Tough to predict the finish of this type of heavyweight slugfest. We both have the power and skill to finish the fight anywhere it goes. Any shot anywhere in the cage has the potential to be a night-ender for either of us. I think its likely this fight comes down to game plan, execution of the game plan and heart.
How’s it going to feel to have that belt wrapped around your waist?
It’s going to feel amazing to have that belt wrapped around my waist. I may not take it off for a while. So excited to be able to hand that belt to my teammates and pass it around the gym. They deserve to have their fingerprints all over it, just like their fingerprints are all over any success I’ve ever had in the cage.
