LAS VEGAS – Victor Altamirano rides into UFC on ESPN 45 with the momentum of a two-fight profitable streak and the arrogance instilled by combating ranked opposition in what shall be his fourth promotional bout.
On Saturday on the UFC Apex, Altamirano (12-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) faces former UFC flyweight title challenger Tim Elliott (18-12-1 MMA, 7-10 UFC) on the principle card.
Combating somebody with a quantity within the official UFC rankings delights Altamirano, who has full religion he’s heading in the right direction to maneuver up the ladder.
“There’s no danger with out reward,” Altamirano instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a information convention Wednesday. “There’s no glory with out a problem. If that’s what we’re aiming for, if that’s what we would like, then we’ve to have the ability to do issues which might be required to take action.
“Taking (a step) into the rankings, going into the battle with larger ranked opponents, that’s what’s required for us to develop. That’s what is required of us to climb the ladder and obtain what it’s that we would like. We would like glory. We would like legacy. We would like the championship. So if I say I would like that, I higher present it with my phrases and my actions.”
Elliott, 36, challenged then-champion Demetrious Johnson for the promotion’s 125-pound on the TUF 24 Finale in December 2016. Regardless of a unanimous choice defeat, Elliott multiplied his fanbase together with his gutsy displaying and whacky combating model.
Since then, Elliott has established the popularity as one of many trickier puzzles to determine. His motion and unorthodox strikes aren’t duplicated. For Altamirano, nevertheless, the challenges Elliott presents are the identical all his opponents carry.
“It’s all about rhythm,” Altamirano stated. “It’s actually inconceivable to say I’m going to count on this system and I’m going to count on this form of motion. It’s very tough to have the ability to predict precisely what somebody goes to do.
“A very powerful a part of understanding a battle is to know the rhythm. When are they going to do one thing? In the event you can anticipate when, then your expertise will maintain the remainder and navigate you thru the abilities required to defend a particular approach. All you must do is be sure you’re in rhythm and also you’re prepared for the win.”
Ought to he win, Altamirano doesn’t know the place he’ll land within the rankings. He has his sights set on one objective and that’s the be champion.
“We’re going for No. 1,” Altamirano stated. “That’s the final objective. That’s the reason we’re combating. That’s why we took Tim Elliott on a semi-short discover. That’s the reason we took him two weeks after my battle. That’s why, as a result of we need to make certain we make it to the highest. ”
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