PFL Exclusive: John Mitchell on training with Petr Yan's coach ahead of ‘biggest’ career fight
- Seb Sternik
- 5 July 2023
John Mitchell will be looking to make an impact as he prepares for his PFL Europe debut.
John Mitchell admitted he 'can't wait' to get his hands on Geysim Derouiche when the Irishman begins his PFL Europe campaign this Saturday night in Berlin.
The lightweight mixed martial artist is looking to go all the way in the inaugural PFL Europe tournament which offers $100,000 and a spot on the main roster for the winner.
Mitchell boasts an impressive 6-1 professional record and will arrive in the German capital on the back of a first-round victory over Srikant Sekhar last March.
Since then, the Irishman has spent a lot of time preparing for his PFL bow in Thailand.
He told Planet Sport: "Camp was amazing. I'm sure every fighter says this, but I really believe it because I switched it up this camp. I went to Thailand for four weeks, then put the final touches here for four weeks.
"It's been a dream camp, no injuries, no nothing. Blessed with sparring partners. I can't wait."
When asked about his time in Thailand, Mitchell added: "The training was top class of course, but mostly from the mentality perspective.
"I know I'm one of the world's most elite fighters, but when I go there and I actually beat some of the world's most elite fighters, it further strengthens that belief in my mind. That's what it's amazing for.
"Then of course I had John Hutchinson - Peter Yan's boxing coach and the trainer for many boxing champions - training me on the pads. He really inspired me and gave a me a lot of new things I can bring into this fight. It was amazing."
While Mitchell is still in the early stages of his professional career, the Cork-born fighter believes this will be his biggest fight since turning pro.
"It's the biggest fight of my career without a doubt," he said. "When I was younger, I said that I'd be signed by the big leagues at 26 and I got signed by the big leagues at 26. It's all happening now.
"Ultimately, all that is external. My last fight, I couldn't lose it and then go into PFL so that was also the biggest fight of my career.
"The biggest fight of my career is whoever is standing in front of me with four-ounce gloves."
Mitchell's opponent is a 26-year-old Frenchman with a 6-2 professional MMA record.
Interestingly, Derouiche last fought inside the cage back in the summer of 2021, picking up a decision victory over Victor Verchere.
Since then, the man known as Zidane has been busy in the boxing ring, racking up three straight victories.
"I think it's a good fight," said Mitchell when asked about his opponent. "I can't wait to get my hands on him. I've ran into plenty of guys like him in my life. It's a dream fight for me and I can't wait."
Fans can follow PFL Europe 2 - including Mitchell's fight with Derouiche - live on DAZN.
Photo Credit: John Mitchell Facebook
