‘The Punisher’ has arrived, fresh off a record-breaking run on Dana White’s Contender Series, and this interview shows how he’s ready to shake up the UFC’s middleweight division. 

You may not know him, but you will. He is fresh off a dominant run on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he shattered records and stamped himself as a certified bulldozer.  Entering the show with a spotless 6-0, he racked up three consecutive wins - the most in the show’s history - including a first-round TKO of former PFL bruiser Abdella ‘The Golden Boy’ Er-Ramy. It was a warning shot to the middleweight division he is aiming to take over. He’s possibly one of the biggest middleweights we’ve seen, listed as rocking a 104kg (230 lb) street weight. While his weight cut might be intense, we’re looking forward to April 5th, 2025, where he’ll compete at UFC Fight Night 256 against Switzerland’s Robert ‘ROBZILLA’ Valentin. The stakes? As high as it gets. Finney intends to make a good first impression and introduce himself with a highlight reel finish. Ahead of his Octagon debut, Fighters Only’s Adam Newby sat down with the rising knockout artist for an exclusive look into his personal life, his journey from prospect to powerhouse, and his plans to leave a trail of bodies in his wake.

What are your hobbies and interests outside the world of MMA?

My hobbies and interests outside of MMA are diverse and keep me well-rounded. I enjoy watching other sports, like football and basketball, playing video games, and watching movies and TV shows. I also listen to music. And I’m big into gospel and country music, with a bit of rap music here and there. These varied interests help me relax and stay balanced in the intense world of MMA. 

What inspired you to get into MMA?

During my junior year in college, I had an injury. I was in the process of recovering from the injury and took up boxing. While I was boxing, we were unfortunately hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, but still, I enjoyed the physical aspect of the training, pad work, exercise, etc. A few of my friends said I should try MMA, so I arranged a trip to Agoge Competitive (A gym in Chattanooga, Tennessee), where I instantly fell in love with mixed-martial arts. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Like I said, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, but regardless, I was committed to learning my newfound passion. I constantly watched footage and videos of MMA fights, including the new and older stuff like Pride. I used to sneak out of my dorm to head to MMA practice. The love of fighting is genuinely in my heart. One of the first things that drew me to MMA was watching Conor McGregor's fights during his rise to stardom. The fight against Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez, the conflict with the Diaz brothers, and the famous Khabib fight. I was a casual at first but quickly became a hardcore MMA fan. My journey into MMA is a testament to my passion and dedication to the sport. 

How did you land a spot on Dana White's Contender Series’?

I landed a spot on DWCS after my fight in August of 2023 in Nashville. I got a first-round finish within the Aeries Fight Series promotion while the UFC had a card in town. The next day, I got a call to be on the show. I fought Yuri Panferov the first time and won by 2nd round Sub. After my viral first-round KO win over former Bellator fighter Tyson Jefferies at Combat Night in May 2024, my second time on DWCS, I got another opportunity. I fought Cam Rowston and won by decision, but unfortunately, I didn’t get the contract. The following week, I got a call to be there for a third time. I fought Abdellah Er-Ramy and won by 1st Round KO. Finally, I was blessed with my UFC contract. I am the only 3-time DWCS winner ever.

What does your diet look like?

I have a dietitian involved when I start my fight camps, but I eat what fuels me throughout. As they say, I’m from the South, so I’m cornbread-fed. I eat lots of fried chicken, collard greens, Mac and cheese, cornbread, etc. I’m a big soul food eater. But as soon as fight camp starts, I diet much more strictly. Making it to 185 is a decent cut for me, so I must be disciplined. This discipline and commitment to my diet are crucial in preparing for my fights.

Do you crave any cheat meals instantly after a fight?

My favorite thing to eat right after a fight is fried chicken with many carb-loading sides. I don’t pass on the desserts either. I probably go double on ice cream or some red velvet cake.

What do feel about competing in front of a huge crowd for the first time?

I am excited to showcase my skillset even more to the world for my UFC debut. My opponent is as game as they come and will be a big challenge, but I’m confident I will go out there, get the job done, and win. I don’t think too much about the outside factors when I compete. That has been ingrained into me since I was young. I only focus on the task at hand. Nothing else matters besides the objective. So, I can’t settle or be comfortable right now. I must hope for the best and prepare for the worst. If I get the W, only then will I know how I truly felt in combat.  

What are your plans after your first UFC fight? 

After my win, I plan to travel a bit and then return to training. I want three fights within the year, so I must return to the gym and stay active, focused, and hungry. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your career? 

The most rewarding aspect of my career is that I can make a difference in other people's lives, not just my own. Yes, I love winning and performing, but nothing puts more of a smile on my face than when a fan or somebody comes to me and says how much I’ve inspired them through my DWCS saga. Inspiring others is more rewarding than any amount of money or championship belt. If I can reach just one person and help them make a positive change in their lives, that is a fantastic feeling and worth more to me and my legacy than anything. 

How has your mindset changed since signing with the UFC?

My mindset has stayed the same: always knowing you must improve constantly. I’ve always trained and treated myself like I was always in the UFC. I’ve had this mentality since I was young. Consistently improving as long as possible. It keeps you striving for goals, and it never leaves you complacent.

What’s your prediction for the fight? 

My prediction for the fight is something I say every time - I never make a prediction, but my hand will be raised victoriously on April 5^th, and I don’t plan how I will win. I will let the fight organically play out and be victorious by any means necessary. Within the UFC, I would love to compete with whoever has the belt when I compete for the title. I want to break records and establish myself within the UFC because self-doubt caused me to believe I would never make it here and didn’t belong. That chip will forever be on my shoulder.