THACKERVILLE, Okla. – Kiefer Crosbie is in Oklahoma for his first fight in the United States, but he’s dreaming of back home in Ireland.
The undefeated Crosbie faces short-notice replacement opponent Mike Jackson in a 165-pound catchweight bout at Bellator 224 on Friday. But he doesn’t even second guess a quick turnaround for the Viacom-owned promotion’s return to Dublin in September.
“I don’t have to do anything, mate,” Crosbie (6-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) told MMA Junkie in advance of Friday’s MMA Junkie-streamed bout at WinStar World Casino and Resort. “I’m already on the show. Bellator is coming back to Dublin for a reason, so of course I’m on the show.
“But let’s get (this) fight out of the way first. It will be 11 weeks out from that, so a quick turnaround. Can’t wait.”
Jackson (12-12 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) has more pro experience than anyone Crosbie has fought before – but also hasn’t fought since early 2016. Jackson looks to make an impression, and Crosbie hopes to shut that down quick.
And after that, he’s also looking to shut a mouth that recently dropped his name.
Bellator veteran and Ireland native Myles Price (11-9 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) issued a callout, and Crosbie added him to his hit list.
“He’s a mouthy little (expletive),” Crosbie said. “He called me out. He wants a catchweight. I don’t care. That’s a fight that really interests me.
“I wasn’t thinking about Dublin. I was thinking about this fight. But that’s a man that interests me. So let’s see if he shows up.”
The last time Crosbie was on home soil, things went well. He submitted Daniel Olejniczak in the first round at Bellator 217 in Feburary.
Crosbie said he doesn’t need to make a statement for current and future opponents. The work he’s doing now is enough of one.
“(Expletive) Price,” he said. “I’m focusing on me. This is my career and my fight. It’s not about him. It’s not about any of these guys, to be honest. It’s just about me. He has a good record and experience. That’s what I’ve been asking for.
“I’ll get in, smash this bloke up, win, get my hand raised, and then go straight back to the gym.”
For more on Bellator 224, check out the MMA schedule.
