When Matt “White Chocolate” Turnbull steps into the cage, fight fans know they’re in for a spectacle. Fresh off defending his Art of War featherweight title, Matt is now gearing up for his Professional Fighters League (PFL) debut on August 1 in Atlantic City. In this exclusive interview, Matt shares his thoughts about his transition to a bigger stage, his disciplined approach to the fight game, and the excitement of opening the card on ESPN+.
Answering the Call to the Big Stage
For Matt, the call to join the PFL wasn’t entirely unexpected. “To be honest, I kinda thought a call from a bigger company was gonna be coming soon,” he admits. Still, the magnitude of fighting on a platform like ESPN hasn’t fully sunk in. He remains grounded, treating this like any other fight. “Maybe it’ll hit me once I get in the arena, but right now, it just feels like a normal fight for me.”
He’s no stranger to quick turnarounds, having fought just a few weeks ago. Thanks to his discipline between fight camps, Matt feels ready to jump back into action. “Staying disciplined in between camps made it a little easier for me to get back in camp and not feel like I’ve got a lot of catching up to do,” he explains. Such commitment has positioned him to seize opportunities like this one with the PFL.
A Fighter’s Mindset: Training and Preparation
When it comes to preparing for opponents, Matt takes a refreshingly simple approach. While his coaches dive deep into film study, Matt chooses not to obsess over his opponents’ footage. “For the last four or five fights, I’ve found it better to focus on what I need to improve rather than what the other guy might do,” he shares. “I have plenty of training partners and different looks, so I feel ready for any type of fighter.”
Training with a variety of gyms and fighters has been key to his success. While Martinez BJJ remains his home base, Matt regularly sharpens his skills with top-level coaches and fighters, including Eddie Alvarez’s Underground Kings and Ryan Cafaro. “I like to get different looks from different people, and to do that, you have to travel a little bit,” he says. This diversity in preparation ensures he’s always evolving as a fighter.
The Excitement of Opening the Card
For the first time in his professional career, Matt will be opening the card. While most of his previous bouts were late in the lineup, this change excites him. “Now I get to party with my friends afterward,” he laughs. “I haven’t done that since I was an amateur.” For fans and friends alike, it’s an opportunity to see him fight while still having an evening to celebrate his performance.
Matt’s focus is clear: deliver an electrifying fight. “Even though I know I’m technically one of the best featherweights in the world, my fights are always exciting. Every single time, it’s fight of the night. A lot of times, it’s fight of the year.” His track record backs up this bold statement, and fans tuning in or attending live are in for a treat.
Looking Ahead: A Fighter’s Ultimate Goal
While some fighters might view the PFL as a stepping stone, Matt sees it as a valuable platform to showcase his skills. “I just want to fight the best people and get my name out there,” he says. “I want as many people as possible to see me fight and recognize the talent I bring, not just for me but for my team and teammates who deserve the recognition.”
He’s also open to the PFL’s tournament structure, which could be a great fit for his active fight schedule. With his diet and training dialed in, Matt feels more prepared than ever to compete frequently and at a high level. “A million dollars could change anyone’s mind,” he jokes, but his true motivation lies in testing himself against the best in the world.
Why You Should Watch Matt “White Chocolate” Turnbull
Matt Turnbull is more than a fighter; he’s a showman who guarantees excitement with every bout. Whether you’re tuning in on ESPN+ or heading to Atlantic City to catch the action live, Matt’s PFL debut is not to be missed. “Win or lose, you’re going to have fun watching me fight,” he promises.
Tickets for the event start at just $25, with discounts available using Matt’s code: MTURN. For MMA enthusiasts, this is a chance to witness a rising star on one of the biggest stages of his career.
As Matt “White Chocolate” Turnbull makes his PFL debut, he carries with him the hard-earned lessons from years of grinding in the regional circuit. His disciplined approach, diverse training, and unmatched excitement in the cage make him a fighter to watch. Don’t miss his PFL showcase on August 1—this is your chance to witness the rise of a future MMA superstar.
