Isaac Purnell makes his professional MMA debut on Friday, March 9 at Shamrock FC 303. However, he has no problems with setting goals for himself.
“This year, I’m getting the title for Shamrock,” Purnell told MMASucka. “I’m going to give it two more fights. By my third fight, I’ll be fighting for the championship.”
The 27-year-old Missouri fighter makes his debut opposite Brandon Schehl (0-1).
Purnell was actually slated to make his pro debut against Schehl in September 2017 before that bout fell through. Before that, Purnell was supposed to fight Astin Broom in June. However, that fight was also cancelled.
This is the third camp that Purnell has put himself through for his debut. He’s recognized the benefits that have come from it, although he wasn’t exactly pleased with the situation.
“It sucks losing all that weight, training that hard and wasting all that time,” he admitted.
“It’s more experience that I’ve gained so it’s not a total loss. I hate not being able to eat. I eat a lot of food a lot of the time. Everybody gets a little hangry now and again.”
Purnell will look to take his hanger out on Schehl on Friday night, and is confident he’ll do so.
“I’m looking to make a statement that he can try to take the fight anywhere he wants to take it,” he said. “But if we stand up too long, I’m putting him down. I’m winning unless I get tired or break something. I see myself beating him in the first round, if not, early second.”
Purnell’s pro debut comes after a 6-0 run as an amateur that saw him capture Shamrock FC’s amateur lightweight title with a first round knockout of Derik Scott, who makes his own pro debut on the same card. Purnell doesn’t care much about an amateur title, however. He wants a professional belt.
“I’m a diamond that hasn’t been found yet.”
He’s started to think about his long term plans as well.
“Be the greatest fighter to ever come out of Missouri in my weight class,” he said of his largest long-term goal. “My goal is to be one of the greatest. I can’t wait to show St. Louis and the world what I’m working on and why I’m a diamond that hasn’t been found yet.”
He’ll get a chance to show St. Louis what he’s made of in a couple of days. Then perhaps the world. Whatever will happen in Purnell’s career, it will all start on Friday against Schehl.
