UFC 319 Media Day Highlights
We are just days away from UFC 319, headlined by the Middleweight title fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis and unbeaten challenger Khamzat Chimaev. Today was media day, and we heard from each of the fighters as they prepare for their respective matchups. Here's what they had to say.
Aaron Pico Confident in Matchup Against Alexander Volkanovski
This weekend, we will see the much-anticipated UFC debut of Aaron Pico as he jumps straight to the top, facing fellow contender Lerone Murphy. He is not shy about his self-belief, entering not only this matchup but also a potential clash with the current champion Alexander Volkanovski.
>"He has it coming. He's never fought a high level wrestler like me" - Aaron Pico
Though he made it clear that he is focused on his fight this weekend with Murphy, this may have just planted the seed for an interesting future matchup.
Carlos Prates Not Buying Geoff Neal's Pre-Fight Talk
The always cool Carlos Prates didn't seem too fazed when he heard that his opponent this weekend, Geoff Neal, had said he was training for a one-round fight.
>"I don't think he thinks he's gonna knock me out in the first round" - Carlos Prates
Prates says he's ready for anything and isn't worrying much about what Neal has to say.
Khamzat Chimaev Says It's Not Personal With Dricus Du Plessis
When asked about the seemingly respectful nature of the first fight week interaction between himself and his opponent, Dricus Du Plessis, Chimaev made it clear it's not personal.
>"We're doing our business, fighting, having fun doing some Twitter Sh*t" - Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev brushed off the idea that there would be any issues between the two this week.
Michael "Venom" Page Sees Opportunity at Middleweight
When asked about the decision to take another fight at Middleweight after spending most of his career at Welterweight, Page made it clear it wasn't an issue with cutting weight but was purely about the available fights.
>"I like to be active, and it seems like Middleweight will allow me to be more active" - Michael Page
Page remains open to a move back down to Welterweight in the future, but right now, he feels the division is clogged up, causing him to look for matchups elsewhere.
Lerone Murphy Not Underestimating Pico
It is not often that a top-ranked contender is asked to fight a debuting opponent, but that is the case for Lerone Murphy right now. When asked about the struggles other former Bellator fighters have had entering the UFC, Murphy made it clear he isn't banking on a bad night from Aaron Pico.
>"I think Aaron Pico is in his prime, so I expect to see the best version of him" - Lerone Murphy
Geoff Neal Excited for Matchup with Carlos Prates
When asked for his thoughts on getting the matchup with Carlos Prates again after the first cancellation, Neal expressed that once he sets his mind on an opponent, he likes to follow through.
>"I've been thinking about beating you up for months, and now I don't get to do it, so let's do it sometime" - Geoff Neal
Jared Cannonier Understands Unique Challenge Against MVP
Cannonier has been around for a long time and seen just about everything there is to see in the UFC, but there is nothing quite like facing Michael "Venom" Page and his flashy karate style. Cannonier showed respect for the skills of MVP but made it clear he has a plan to deal with it.
>"He's a master at making people overextend, I have to use patient pressure" - Jared Cannonier
Dricus Du Plessis Excited About State of Middleweight Division
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has a huge fight ahead of him this weekend against Khamzat Chimaev, but when you are the champ, the division is always watching, and Du Plessis has never been one to back down from a challenge.
>"What a time to be Middleweight Champion of the world" - Dricus Du Plessis
He mentioned Anthony Hernandez as a performance that had stuck out to him, but acknowledged Reineir de Ridder, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho as other strong contenders.