Ignacio Bahamondes is grateful for Rafael Fiziev saying sure to face him as a rising contender within the UFC’s light-weight division.
The surging 27-year-old contender faces Fiziev within the co-main occasion of UFC Baku this Saturday. When the matchup was introduced, it was nearly unanimously praised by the fanbase, one thing Bahamondes seen instantly.
“It was loopy how the folks reacted — particularly in my nation [of Chile],” Bahamondes advised MMA Preventing. “They had been freaking out. It’s one thing large for my folks, it’s one thing large for me, preventing a man like Rafael who has a lot expertise and he’s been on loads of wars in UFC.
“So sharing the octagon with him is a pleasure and I’m excited. I’m excited for this struggle. I’m simply as excited because the followers.”
Bahamondes enters the largest struggle of his profession with a 6-2 UFC document, together with three straight stoppage victories. In his most up-to-date outing, Bahamondes solidified himself as a ranked 155-pounder with a first-round submission of Jalin Turner at UFC 313 in March.
Fiziev additionally competed at UFC 313 in his first bout in 18 months following a torn ACL suffered in his loss to Mateusz Gamrot. “Ataman” stepped in on quick discover to face Justin Gaethje in a rematch, and very similar to the primary contest, Fiziev bought off to an excellent begin, however in the end misplaced a call.
With a win over Fiziev, Bahamondes believes that he’ll have rather more of a say in who he would face subsequent as he climbs the ladder of the game’s hardest division.
“Having a win in opposition to him, it should imply rather a lot to me, not simply because it’s him, it’s not simply because I’m coming all the best way right here to his nation to struggle him — an excellent fighter as Rafael Fiziev,” Bahamondes defined. “So I feel beating him goes to place me in an excellent place, it’s going to place me able wherever I can ask for a high 10, no matter I would like.
“[The headlines will read] ‘La Jaula’ does it once more. I feel that’s what it’s going to be. ‘La Jaula’ does it once more, no judges wanted.”
One struggle that’s — greater than doubtless — off the desk for Bahamondes could be a matchup in opposition to former interim light-weight champion Dustin Poirier. “The Diamond” headlines UFC 318 subsequent month in his residence state of Louisiana to face Max Holloway for the BMF title in his retirement struggle.
Bahamondes appreciates all the things Poirier has accomplished contained in the octagon. Whereas he needs Poirier properly in his retirement, there’s part of Bahamondes that’s bummed he received’t get the prospect to check himself in opposition to of essentially the most thrilling fighters in UFC historical past.
“Dustin’s at all times been a fighter I watched,” Bahamondes mentioned. “I at all times like his model. He goes ahead, he by no means provides up. I like his model. I might like to share octagon with him. It was considered one of my dream fights.
“I’m form of unhappy he’s retiring, however it’s OK. Which means he’s understanding this sport wants new folks, and I feel I’m considered one of them.”
