Jamal Pogues
Record: 7-2
Age: 24
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Next Fight: Feb. 21 vs. Alex Polizzi (5-0) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Casual MMA fans might remember [autotag]Jamal Pogues[/autotag] from his appearance last season on “Dana White’s Contender Series.” Or perhaps they might know him from his 2018 bout vs. Jordan Young at Bellator 201. Regardless, at 24, Pogues has done well for himself. He’s compiled a 7-2 record against opponents with a combined 30-3 record (at the time of their matchup). Training under UFC veteran Joe Stevenson, Pogues thinks he’s finally putting the mental and physical aspects of his game together.
The Skinny: When Pogues was passed over on DWCS, many viewers were surprised – but Pogues wasn’t one of them. His family and friends weren’t happy with the UFC boss’ decision to let him develop, but not Pogues. In fact, he’s unconcerned with that. What’s he been focused on? Development, development, development, development. That’s the name of the game. At 205 pounds, there aren’t a lot of fighters competing with Pogues for major promotion roster spots. The UFC and Bellator are always in need of young fighters there. Until his day comes, Pogues is honing his craft. Already on the UFC’s radar, that day could come if he gets through Polizzi in his first LFA main event.
In his own words: “For me, I’m used to things not going my way. I’m used to the long road. I’m used to things being hard or tough. So Dana White telling me, that didn’t surprise me. I was hurt, but it didn’t surprise me, because I’m used to that. … Through this I’ve realized nothing will be handed. I’ve got to take the hard way up. It’s about being relaxed, staying patient, and letting everything come your way instead of trying to force it. It sounds like old people stuff, but it’s something I’ve learned.”
“… We watched my fight. We improved off my fight. Hopefully this is the one. If it’s not, it’s fine. Each fight, I’m just trying to grow. Every fight, I’m just trying to grow. I just have got to make sure I’m ready for when they give me that call – not like some of these fighters. They go in there, go 0-3, and they’re out. I just have one job, and my job is to get better. I’ll make sure when (the UFC) signs me, they sign me for a reason. Hopefully, this is the one. We’re just taking it a fight at a time, but hopefully it is.”