New Jersey’s Mickey Gall Looks To Prove His Worth At UFC 217

This time last year, Mickey Gall was known as the guy that easily defeated CM Punk at UFC 203. He didn’t want that fight do define him however. The man who earned a contract with UFC after appearing on Dana White’s Lookin’ for a Fight show wanted to face the best the UFC had to offer. He called out Sage Northcutt, a fight that pitted the future of MMA against one another. Gall submitted him, and like former WWE superstar Ryback, wanted the UFC to feed him more. He gets his chance to prove himself today (November 4th) at UFC 217 when he faces Randy Brown.

Oozing confidence, Gall (4-0) is one of the only local fighters competing at UFC 217 in Madison Square Garden. Queens native Randy Brown (9-2) is another one, and they both look to put on a show for their families and friends. For Gall however, it’s about much more than that. He wants to prove he is the very best, even with limited experience. The “call-out” game has been a specialty of his, no matter how off the opponent may be. He called out Sage and after that fight ended, he requested a fight with the retired Dan Hardy.

Are his methods unorthodox? Yes, but that’s exactly the way Mickey likes it. With every win, we are seeing the evolution of a man who believes he is the very best. This is also a man looking to move forward from his past. Brown was the winner of the Lookin’ for a Fight series, and Mickey wants to submit him to the curb. He proclaimed to MMA Junkie that he has a Lookin’ for a Fight belt, proclaiming he is the best of the group. His plans after UFC 217 are simple, telling MMA Junkie:

“This might be my last ‘Lookin’ for a Fight’ guy, so I’m going to coast off into the sunset with that belt, and then as I become a legit welterweight contender, and then No. 15, 10, No. 5, and then I’ll have a title shot”

First of all, it would truly be something if seemingly unknown Mickey Gall walked into the octagon with a belt he just made. Don’t think he won’t, as we’ve seen, he’s a little unpredictable. As far as his future, a win over Brown, a legitimate contender, may indeed help his cause in becoming a true contender for Tyron Woodley’s belt. He’s putting his name out there, and people are taking notice.

The two styles of Gall and Brown will be interesting to watch. Randy Brown has won five fights via knockout and three by submission, one less submission victory than Gall’s overall MMA record. Mickey’s wins have all come via submission, as his fast-paced ground work has brought him some success inside the octagon. When it’s all over, we could be seeing one of the most underhyped fights turn into one of the best.

Randy Brown is a tough task to face, but it appears Mickey Gall is ready. It’s another chance to prove that the man with the mouth has the skills to back it up.