[autotag]Henry Corrales[/autotag]’ most recent performance wasn’t his best.
On Jan. 25, the featherweight contender returns to action at Bellator 238 against [autotag]Juan Archuleta[/autotag]. The fresh matchup presents the opportunity to get back into the win column, but Corrales (17-4 MMA, 5-4 BMMA) is keeping his most recent defeat in the forefront of his mind.
At Bellator 228 in September, Corrales dropped a unanimous decision to former bantamweight champ Darrion Caldwell in the opening round of the promotion’s featherweight grand prix tournament.
The Arizona-based fighter uses the Caldwell bout as a mental blueprint on what not to do this time around. Corrales thinks he was too hesitant in his approach and should have been more aggressive.
“It was a good learning experience,” Corrales told MMA Junkie. “He did a good job of avoiding my strengths. I was trying to get in there and bang. He did a great job of shutting down any type of fight. He had great movement, a lot of control, and a lot of strategic stalling on his part.
“I think I was just a little too patient. I thought I’d catch this guy slipping sooner or later. That time never came. (I was) a little bit bummed when it first happened, but I’ve had a lot worse to deal with in life than that (expletive). We’re all good.”
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Corrales thinks Archuleta (23-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) is best off trying to implement the same game plan Caldwell did. But Corrales thinks Archuleta can’t resistfrom the “stand and bang” approach.
“That’s the smart game plan, but this guy can’t help himself,” Corrales said. “He’s a (expletive) banger. He loves to fight. I’m going to have some opportunities. If I don’t, I’m going to make it happen.
“The last fight, I didn’t put myself in a position to make something happen. A great fighter makes things happen, and I wasn’t great that night. I believe in myself that I am a great fighter, so I’ve got to make some (expletive) happen. I’m ready.”
Corrales thinks the matchup with Archuleta will bring the energy. When the two 145-pounders step into the cage, fans should expect an exciting fight, he said.
“Me and this guy are known for bringing the noise,” Corrales said. “Bellator put this one together because it’s a fan-friendly fight. I think that we’re right. He’s a hard-worker, and I’m ready to get after it.”
Bellator 238 takes place Jan. 25 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
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