LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Nick Aguirre[/autotag] knows he’s in another big underdog spot, but also recognizes his opportunity to stop a hype train before it leaves the station.
At UFC Fight Night 232, Aguirre (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) gets his second test at the UFC Apex following his short-notice debut in January. He will be looking for his first win in the promotion as he welcomes Dana White’s Contender Series signee Payton Talbott, who has quickly drawn comparisons to UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
Aguirre, 27, is once again in a big underdog spot and in need of a victory to prove he belongs in the UFC. Unlike his debut, which he took on five days’ notice, Aguirre had the luxury of completing a full training camp. Although he’s in need of a win, Aguirre believes all of the pressure is on Talbott (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
“There’s no added pressure to it,” Aguirre told reporters at Wednesday’s media day about needing to win in his second UFC appearance. “Also, I’m a huge underdog, and I know that. A lot of the pressure is on him. They expect him to make a highlight out of me. They keep comparing him to Sean O’Malley, things like that. So, I know what that is, and I just need to go out there and shut all that sh*t down.”
Aguirre lost his debut to Dan Argueta in January by unanimous decision. It was the first professional loss of his career, and the first time he reached the judges’ scorecards. In fact, prior to that fight, he only reached the second round once as a pro.
“It’s going to be a dog fight,” Aguirre said. “He is good. He has a lot of talent, but I’m real good too. I don’t know if he really thinks I am, I don’t know if he respects me that way, but I’m going to show him how much talent I have. It’s going to be a dog fight, and I’m ready for 15 minutes of hell.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 232.