Matt Dixon, the welterweight champion of Xtreme Fight Night, could be approaching the next step of his budding MMA career in the near future.
Dixon defended his title for the fifth time at XFN 357 against Braden Smith on April 4. Dixon, who is just 23, remains undefeated at 8-0 and has finished six of his bouts. His goal is to fight for the UFC, but is open to signing with any big organization; be it Bellator, RIZIN or ONE. Whenever the call comes, Dixon is prepared to answer it.
“If the UFC is offering the right contract, I’m definitely ready to go whenever,” he told MMASucka. “If it’s after this next fight or the fight after that, whatever I’ve got to do, I’m just going to keep staying focused on improving myself and being the best mixed martial artist I possibly can be.”
“Just watch any of my fights”
When it comes to gaining recognition, Dixon follows the adage of “actions speak louder than words.” He doesn’t want to be known for trash-talking; he’d rather be known for his fighting ability. He hopes those values are what will eventually land him a spot with a big organization.
“I want to be one of those guys who has shown what I’ve done and prove everything through my actions,” Dixon said. “I want to be one of those guys who shows you don’t necessarily have to be a big talker in order to be part of the big shows in the UFC. You can be a star and all of that great stuff without going out and disrespecting your opponents and disrespecting people in general in a way where you somewhat dishonor martial arts.
“Take a look at my resume and watch one of my fights. That should be the decision-maker right there. Just watch any of my fights.”
Dixon’s Short-term Plans
Dixon isn’t concerned if the UFC doesn’t call following his latest win. He’s eyeing a spot on the upcoming Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, which will take place for the third straight summer and serves as a direct pipeline for UFC talent.
If that call doesn’t come either, Dixon is in the midst of lining up his second XFN title defense for sometime in June. His game-plan is to continue fighting for the promotion he’s had all but one of his professional bouts for until he gets a call from a top organization. He intends to keep racking up title defenses until the inevitable right offer.
“XFN has been great,” Dixon said. “They have been very supportive. They’ve told me, ‘When you get the call, it’s no hard feelings from us.’ The promotion been very helpful as far as not trying to be selfish or anything like that. They’ve been a great organization for sure.”
Wherever Dixon winds up, he has the same goal: be recognized as the top welterweight in the sport. It’s no coincidence the fighter he’s looked up to the most is Georges St-Pierre.
“Honestly, I think I fare well with anybody in the welterweight division whether it’s Bellator, ONE Championship or the UFC,” he said. “I think I’m the best welterweight right now. I really have a passion to be the best in the sport.”
