Torrez Finney - THE NEXT UFC STAR?

Torrez Finney - THE NEXT UFC STAR?

‍

Torrez “The Punisher” Finney sat down with Lucas Sullivan of Ultimate Fan Experience media on 12/07/2022 for an interview. Torrez, a 4-0 professional fighter fighting out of Agoge Combatives in Rossville, Georgia had a ton to say.

Torrez Finney is the newest fighter signed by UFE (Ultimate Fan Experience), and said that he is “excited for the UFE Fan Experience, it's really cool to finally be a part of something like this.” 

Torrez Finneys’ MMA career began recently in June of 2020. The first time Torrez went into Agoge Combatives was during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Torrez was a Full Back on the University of Chattanooga football team, but like the rest of us was unsure if there was going to be a season. To stay in shape he picked up MMA. Instantly falling in love with MMA, Torrez couldn’t get enough. He was comfortable with the sport as he has a strong wrestling background (also wrestled at the University of Chattanooga), but still had skills to develop. One of those skills being kicking. Torrez wanted nothing to do with kicking as he told his striking coach Larry Scott,”all I want to do is strike, all I want is to throw hands, throw knees, and look for takedowns. But no kicking.” To which Larry Scott responded, “you’ll learn to kick.”

Being a student of the game, Torrez Finney practiced his kicking on trees because he didn't have a heavy bag.

Torrez Finney kept the start of his MMA career a secret. He had one boxing match prior to his MMA career with only 3 months of training. Losing his first bout, his family didn’t want him to compete in combat sports. However Torrez’s competitiveness didn’t let him leave.

Secretly training for MMA, he had his first amateur bout in which he won in 11 seconds vs Antonio Holt in October of 2020. His family ended up finding out due to publicity on Facebook. 

Torrez Finney is sometimes criticized by local MMA personnel, as well as confidential fighters in the UFC for not having any striking. When asked about this Torrez responded, “the times i have utilized my striking, granted i always use this case, they didn't go long. You know, my first fight I didn't use no grappling, it only lasted 11 seconds. The second time I just wanted to use just striking, and the fight lasted five seconds. I feel like the times i did use it, people were like, “I want to see more.”” Torrez did note for the critics, “striking will be incorporated a lot more into my game.”

Torrez Finney has seen nothing but success in Aries Fighting Series as well as Jorge Masvidals promotion Ikon FC, when asked if a UFC berth is coming he responded, “That's the goal man.” “My 100% honest opinion I feel like I will be in the UFC. Were close and I did a lot of work this first year as a pro. To finish this year off 4-0 that's big.” Torrez has only finished in his 4 professional fights.

When asked about the lack of wrestling currently at the UFC Middleweight division, Torrez Finney responded, “when I go to the UFC man, my goal is currently to be the best fighter i can possibly be, and if i'm the best fighter i can possibly be i feel like that's Championship level…. There’s guys in the Middleweight division, there's some guys right now I am really confident that I can beat in a fight right now… you know I'm just taking my time, being patient, you know when my time comes I will be ready.”

Torrez Finney plans to use his wrestling against great strikers. Focusing on his entry’s. The biggest thing he noted was not being on his back foot against top level fighters like Israel Adesanya, and Torrez needs to push the pace and not let the numerous strikes that top strikers like Israel Adesanya and Alex Periera land.

Torrez Finney trains with high level guys all around the country. To name a few, Francis Ngannou, Jorge Masvidal, Gerald Meerchaert, Trevor Peek, Mike Davis, Mike Perry, Bo Nickal,  Chris Curtis, Phil Rowe, Sean Strickland and so on. It’s safe to say that if Torrez gets a chance at the top level guys, he will be prepared.

Torrez Finney being the newest member of The Ultimate Fan Experience, a company that's goal is to bring fans closer than ever to their favorite fighters, Torrez is excited to be a part of the team. “I'm really excited to do this (UFE), getting the opportunity to interact with your fans speaks volumes to not only how they support you but how you can interact back with them for supporting you. We can't do this without the fans. I don't care what anyone says.”

Experiences that fans can have with Torrez Finney are limitless, some ideas that Torrez has are lifting weights, going out for lunch, a practice session, sparring, or simply playing some video games.

‍