It’s UFC on ESPN 58 and Joshua Van can’t assist however really feel a way of reduction that it’s lastly right here.
The UFC flyweight prospect has been desirous to get his second combat in for 2024, however has been unable to. After stopping Felipe Bunes in January, Van (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has been booked three totally different occasions and has seen all three bouts get canceled. He was presupposed to combat Lucas Rocha in April, then Sumudaerji to get switched to Tatsuro Taira for UFC 302 in June.
It seems just like the fourth time is the attraction, as he’s combating Tagir Ulanbekov (15-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) this Saturday in Las Vegas.
“I’m simply excited that I get to combat,” Van advised MMA Junkie. “The final couple of months have been canceled fights and stuff like that, or my opponents pull out or no matter. I’m simply excited to be right here in combat week, lastly. I’m very, very excited.”
The 22-year-old Van admits it’s been robust to not be energetic and has felt annoyed all through this course of.
“Shout out to my coaches as a result of there was a cut-off date I didn’t even wish to practice, man,” Van stated. “It’s simply because they saved canceling fights and sh*t like that, so shout out to my coaches for retaining me grinding day-after-day.”
Ulanbekov is presently within the official high 15 rankings of the UFC’s flyweight division. Van is completely happy to be getting a notable opponent and expects a tricky take a look at on Saturday.
“He’s a tricky fighter and an excellent wrestler,” Van stated. “His placing is there, however his primary factor is his wrestling. Come Battle Night time, we’ll be prepared for him.”
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