Jesse Taylor (photo via Lucas Noonan / WSOF)

By Kelsey Mowatt

When Jesse Taylor throws down with Elvis Mutapcic at World Series of Fighting’s upcoming December 7th show in Vancouver, B.C., the veteran will be competing on North American soil for the just the third time since 2011. Since the 31 year-old has largely been fighting overseas, and not for mainstream U.S. audiences, Taylor’s recent accomplishments have gotten lost somewhat in the mix.

“I think I’ve done quite well, going international, but in saying that, I just beat Kendall Grove a couple of fights ago and nobody knew about it,” Taylor said on Full Contact Fighter Radio recently, when asked if he believes his recent wins have been overlooked here in North America. “You can fight all these good guys all over the world, but if it’s not here in the States it doesn’t get as much exposure. That’s for sure.”

Since Taylor was tapped out by Gael Grimaud, while competing for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship last May, the TUF vet has won six straight while competing in places like Australia, Ireland and Wales. Most recently, at CWFC 54 in May, the middleweight tapped out John Phillips with a first round, guillotine choke.

“So I am very happy, especially since World Series of Fighting is a big show, I can definitely demonstrate what I’ve been doing the last couple of years, how good I’ve gotten,” added Taylor (26-9). “I can really showcase my true skills for everybody to see and I can make a statement. That’s what I want to do with World Series of Fighting.”

“One fight at a time of course, I have to get by Elvis (Mutapcic) first, but I want to make a big statement.”

Taylor (photo via WSOF.com)

Despite the lack of coverage, it doesn’t sound like Taylor would have changed anything in terms of the air miles he’s recorded. In fact, unlike other fighters, the Team Quest member says he hasn’t had issues with jet lag, or finding the right food when he’s been abroad.

“I love fighting overseas. I’m different though; I like fighting here too but I like fighting wherever,” said Taylor. “I definitely don’t mind fighting overseas…maybe it’s a mind thing. I don’t believe in jet lag. I just get my rest and kind of work around it.”

In September, Taylor had headed to Atlantic City to fight Mutapcic in the semifinals of the promotion’s middleweight tourney at WSOF 5. In what is well documented history now, however, the commission prevented Mutapcic from fighting when undisclosed prescription medication was found in his vicinity.

The middleweight and his camp vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said the medication was one of Mutapcic’s cornerman’s.

“I guess everything happens for a reason,” said Taylor when asked about the incident. “It was very mentally draining. Training, and then having all the nerves, all the adrenaline…It was a little frustrating the way it all went down but I got a little time off, started training again so I’d peak at the right time and I’m in a really good position now.”

“It wasn’t really his fault,” Taylor added, after noting the fact that WSOF paid him and Mutapcic their show money. “It would have been nice to get that win money too, but in the end, as long as I do good, and with the next fight I’ll actually make more money. I just have to get that win bonus.”

WSOF 7 will be hosted by Vancouver’s PNE Agrodome and will also feature Georgi Karakhanyan taking on Lance Palmer for the vacant featherweight championship.