LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Esteban Ribovics[/autotag] respects UFC 306 opponent [autotag]Daniel Zellhuber[/autotag], but he also recognizes where they are both headed.
Before Saturday’s event at Sphere, Argentina’s Ribovics (13-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) voiced excitement for the matchup vs. Mexico’s Zellhuber (15-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC).
“I think so. I think there’s hype because he’s a great fighter,” Ribovics told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference. “I respect him a lot. As I said previously, I wish we had the opportunity to fight him further along in my career. Maybe we could have a chance to develop and grow together. But yeah, this is a great fight now. I’m ready for this fight. I think it’s going to be an insane fight and no one wants to miss it. Yeah, I have nothing but respect for him. He’s a great fighter, a great contender, coming up from Mexico.”
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Ribovics is 28 with three UFC fights to his name. Zelluber is 25 with one more, at four UFC fights. Ribovics will step into the Mexican Independence Day-themed event as a bit of an outsider, but embraces the challenge that comes with it.
“Fights are fights, man. I wish we were going to fight further up,” Ribovics said. “But the opportunity came up now. I’m happy to accept it. I’m happy for this fight. But yeah, I’m just going to see how it goes down.
Ribovics signed a new multifight deal with the UFC prior to this fight. He looks to continue momentum from a big head kick knockout of Terrance McKinney in May.
“Man, I needed that win. I’m glad I did it. And yeah, you’re right. I got a new contract, a couple of fights more on the new contract, which gives me more stability. I’m able to focus and train better. Things are looking up. That just gives me more drive and motivation to keep going forward.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.