Carlton Minus: Eyeing UFC next but Contender Series in June or July would be fine
Carlton Minus is arguably one of the best prospects right now out of Alaska as he is ranked the #1 welterweight in Alaska according to Tapology. Minus will do battle this Wednesday for Alaska FC 140. He will take on former UFC fighter Justin Buchholz it what will be his biggest test to date.
First of all, how did you get into MMA? Any accomplishments in any other sports?
I’ve always been a fan of martial arts, but MMA grabbed my attention when my cousin Pat showed me the Ultimate Fighter (season 14). As for other sports, I have some certificates but nothing special; didn’t really have a passion for them.
Is MMA your full-time job or are you working somewhere else as well?
I have a full-time job at a glass shop called ‘Piece of Mind.’ I love MMA so I don’t really consider it a job.
How did you get the nickname “Clutch”?
I got it playing beer pong years ago with some friends as a joke and it just kinda stuck lol.
Can you explain who you train with and how you came across the camp? Also, who are some of your main sparring partners?
After the 1st gym I went to it shut down and I had a friend suggest I train with Garage Crew at Elite MMA, that’s where I met my current friend/coach Gio. I worked with him there until that gym unfortunately closed. I then started training at ABJJ for about a year and a half, then I started training at avalanche wrestling and legacy jujitsu, while still working striking with Gio. My main sparring partners usually are my cousin Patrik and My homies Mike, Niall and Tae but I’ve had a lot more people to work with this camp.
How is the cut to 185? What is your favorite thing to eat before and after weight cut?
If it’s at 185 I’m golden lol! My cuts usually start at 175 to 177 and that’s where I walk around at. My favorite food after weight cuts is sushi!
What has been your favorite memory of your mma career so far?
Going to Vegas and trying out for the TUF 27, it was awesome.
What would be your favorite striking and grappling technique?
The jab for striking and omoplata for grappling.
One dream fight, who would you square off with?
Jose Aldo, cause he’s an animal.
What makes you a different fighter from everyone else?
I think my personality mixed with my basic but awkward style makes me unique in the fight game.
How important is it to represent Alaska? Not too many are in the big leagues.
Very important, I’d really like to prove to people it’s not where you come from, it’s how hard you work
you fought at middleweight and lightweight in the past. What were the reasons behind that? Also, would you maybe make the move down or up for good sometime in the future?
Even though Alaska’s the largest state, we don’t have a lot of people so I just had to take fights where I can get them. But I’d like to fight in the big leagues at lightweight.
You’ve only fought in Alaska your entire career. Where are some locations you’d like to travel to?
My dream country to fight in is Japan. I’d also like to fight in the U.K., Brazil and Australia.
You’re set to fight ex-UFC fighter Justin Buchholz for Alaska FC this weekend. Tell me what do you think of him as an opponent and what’s your prediction on the playout of this fight?
I think he’s a beast, and I’m expecting him to use every technique in his arsenal and make this fight a wild one. For me to win I just need to be smart and patient.
With a win this weekend what are you looking at next? Would you like the idea of jumping on a possible contender series fight in June or July?
With a win I was hoping to go straight to the UFC in the fall/winter but if I fell short I’d look to give contender series a run. June or July would be fine by me.
What management team are you with?
A few are interested but I haven’t signed anywhere yet.
Since this was a hot topic last week I’ll ask you this question. If your opponent was to come seven pounds over the weight limit, would you still fight? What are your thoughts on that?
I would be game, but ultimately I would leave the decision to my coaches. I think at the highest level of competition when you’ve had weeks/months to prepare, its lame to be off by that much. It would make me question how seriously they took it.
Explain what a normal day is like in the life of Carlton Minus?
Pretty simple really, wake up, eat, train, buy groceries, shower, work, home, sleep and repeat.
What are your goals for 2018?
To start my climb in a major promotion like the UFC or maybe even Bellator.
