the american Kenny Florian He was a finalist, in the middleweight category (up to 84 kg), in the first edition of The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC reality show. Since the final of the program, in 2005, the fighter has moved down to the welterweight (up to 77kg) and lightweight (up to 70kg) divisions, and is now seeking the coveted featherweight belt (up to 66kg). Florian will make his debut in the new category against the Brazilian Diego nunes, in the fight that will be one of the attractions of UFC 131, an event that takes place next Saturday (11), in Vancouver, Canada. Without worrying about criticism for the new division change, Kenny guarantees that he has made the best preparation of his career.
“This was the best training period of my life. I have a lot of energy! Who knows, maybe this wasn’t the category I should have always fought in,” Florian said on the UFC’s official website. The 35-year-old American believes that a triumph over Diego Nunes will give him the credentials to challenge for the UFC belt, currently held by the Brazilian Jose aldo.
“If you look at what I did at lightweight and what I did in my career, my skills and experience put me in front of a top-5 player in the world (Diego Nunes). If I win this fight, I'll be in line for the title. I really believe I can win this belt”, commented the American, who was full of praise for his opponent.
“He’s a fast, strong guy, with very powerful kicks. He is definitely one of the best in the world. I want to face the best, and Diego is one of them. The best way to prove that I can be at the top is beating a training partner of José Aldo”, he concluded.
In addition to Diego Nunes, UFC 131 brings three more Brazilians into action: Vagner Rocha faces Donald Cerrone, Demian Maia will measure forces against Mark Munoz e Junior Gypsy will be the main fight of the night against Shane carwin.
Check out the full event card below:
Main Card
Junior “Cigano” dos Santos vs. Shane carwin
Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes
Jon Olav Einemo vs. Dave Herman
Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha
Preliminary Card
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Chris Weidman
Mike massenzio vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
James Head vs. Nick Ring
Dustin poirier vs. Jason Young
Joey Beltran vs. Aaron Rose
Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Comments