“Filthy” Tom Lawlor recently spoke with longtime pro wrestling journalist Jim Varsallone for an in-depth interview ahead of his PFL MMA debut fight, which he would go on to win before announcing his retirement from the sport.
During the interview, the reigning NJPW Strong Openweight Champion and MLW performer spoke about his debut with the MMA league formerly known as World Series of Fighting and how he still sees himself competing on one level or another for a long time.
Featured below are some of the highlights, as well as a complete video archive of the new “Filthy” Tom Lawlor interview.
On competing in the Professional Fighters League and how this may be his last visit to the MMA cage: “Yeah, for those people that don’t know, the winner of each weight class gets a million dollars at the end of it. You know, I just want to say that if, unfortunately if I don’t make these playoffs, you may not see me back in that cage. I’ve told multiple people I don’t know if I’m setting myself up to retire sooner than later but I may just not take a fight for a while so, my goal is to — I kind of look at this like do or die for my career. My goal is to get that six points, be fighting in August and if that’s not the case, then it’s been a fun one.”
On still seeing himself competing for a long time: “You know, I’m kind of a person that likes to take things one thing at a time. I like to look at what’s directly in front of me and I still see myself competing for a good portion of time. I’m not looking to step into the background and be a coach or just be a supporting act. I think Filthy Tom Lawlor’s got a lot left in the tank and I’m gonna run that tank dry.”
Check out the complete interview below. H/T to POST Wrestling for transcribing the above quotes.
.@FilthyTomLawlor removes his gloves and places them at the center of the cage — despite currently sitting in fourth place in the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight standings, which would qualify him for the Playoffs. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops. #2021PFL5
ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/hY0Gw3ETPU— PFL (@PFLMMA) June 17, 2021
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