The UFC Fight Night Edwards vs Muhammad press conference saw various fighters on the card sit down and talk to the media, here were some of the questions that were asked to the fighters.
Eryk Anders
Anders was asked about his cancelled bout at UFC Fight Night 183 against Antonio Arroyo. Anders stated that it was difficult to make the 185 limit on short notice, but stated “At 205, I can make 205 and you know I’ll take 205 fights at short notice.”
Anders was asked about his former opponent Thiago Santos and what he thought of his latest fight. Anders stated his injury must have played on his mind but I feel he can bounce back off that loss and become a world champion.
Speaking on last weekends main event Anders stated, Jan Błachowicz had size and strength in his favour, he has a good defence in the take-down and a strong ground game.
In conversation, Anders was asked about the current beef between Gord Ryan and Andre Galvao “I would go with Ryan”
Dan Ige
Speaking on spending time with Khabib he stated, “I’m lucky and fortunate enough to spend time with Khabib he’s a great guy… being around someone like Khabib it’s like the Michael Jordan aura.”
“he sat with me and gave me some good advice, [speaking on Ige’s upcoming fight] don’t give this guy space, don’t give this guy time.”
Ige was asked is Khabib going to fight again, he responded by saying “I dunno he doesn’t have to, he has enough money. If he does it’s because he loves this sport and he loves his brothers.”
Ige was asked his thoughts on Max Holloways latest performance, he stated Max and him grew up together and doing what he did to Calvin Kattar a guy he lost too is impressive. It makes him want to step up his game.
Manel Kape
Who wins at soccer you or Khabib, “of course me.”
Kape was asked, with short notice fight do you worry about how you are physically and do you get distracted. “I don’t worry, I don’t have any injuries, I have a full camp, sparring with tough guys, training hard, making adjustments.”
Kape was asked about his last fight against Pantoja he stated during the fight he had sweaty feet that through him off-balance, he would normally see everything that was coming in terms of his opponents striking, but he didn’t see the strike coming at one moment. He went on to say in the last organisation he fought in boots and learning from his last fight he will have his feet wrapped in his upcoming fight.
On speaking about his opponent Kape states his opponent has a “pretty left hook… same style as me, but I can mix it up. I don’t want to underestimate him he’s super tough.’
Jonathan Martinez
Martinez was asked about his opponent Davey Grant, “he’s an exciting fighter, tough opponent I’m just excited to get out there”
In conversation Martinez was asked what he thought of Sean O’Malley, “might be a good matchup, I’m excited to see that match up, see how it goes.”
Misha Cirkunov
Cirkunov was asked how he was feeling following his time-off, “I feel great, ready to, no issues ready for Saturday night.”
Cirkunov was asked how did it help, having the extra time to study your opponent because the fight got moved back? he replied by saying “It’s still the same scenario I just needed extra time to feel 100%”
What has this last year and a half been like for you? “You know they say you can’t stress about things you don’t have control of… I studied more striking, more techniques of MMA, it was good my mind was still occupied and I knew the day would come and here I am, I’m excited to be on the main card as a co-main event.”
Leon Edwards
Edwards was asked what helps you moved on and be happy day to day? “A lot of ups and downs, but my long term goal is to be world champion kept me motivated”
In conversation, Edwards was asked who do you think is the face of the UK, “Me I’m the guy doing it 8 fight win streak, I believe that’s me and after Saturday night they will see.”
Edward speaking on opponents that have not stepped up to fight him, “I have respect for Belal stepping up this is what the UFC was built on”
Speaking on the difference of opponents in their trash-talk compared to Belal Muhammad, “It doesn’t really matter to me, Masvidal a different situation, but they’re all similar… he beat some good guy, I expect him to come in and try and win.”
Darren Stewart
Stewart was asked his thoughts on his opponent Eryk Anders, “Good opponent brings the fight but I like to bring the fight as well.”
Stewart was asked his expectations on the fight, “do more work, do the best I can, I’m, on getting the bonus… I want to get that money for the family.”
Gavin Tucker
How would you sum up the last year for you “The last year has been tough on the world… I’m grateful to have my job during the pandemic.”
Tucker was asked his thoughts on his opponent Dan Ige, “As an opponent, he has a well-rounded game, good energy system, good cardio… He’s a world-class opponent.”
Belal Muhammad
Muhammad was asked with this fight happening quickly after the last one hows your routine looking? He replied. “I feel it’s all part of the sam fight week… I’m way more comfortable than at my last camp.”
Where did ‘Remember The Name’ come from? “I didn’t want one of those cheesy nicknames, I want to be someone to be remembered, I wanted a memorable nickname.”
Muhammad was asked about his thoughts on him and Edwards being the nicest guys fighting each other. “There’s no bad blood, but when I’m fighting you should always be routing for me I’m the better guy the funnier guy and I feel like this is a huge fight and whoever wins is going to get a title fight.”
If you were to steal away Edwards title shot do you think this the biggest shot for you? “I’m going to show everyone that there’s another guy that he [Usman] needs to beat in this division once I beat Leon then I’m number three.”
What’s your gut telling you about Leon Edwards “I’m going to finish him… it’s been 600 days since he thought it’s going to be a rough day for him.”
You can watch the full live event this Saturday on BT Sports and UFC Fight Pass.
Subscribe
