Cristian Perez didn’t know much about Kyle Nelson when he got the call to make his UFC debut at UFC Edmonton on Saturday night.
Five or six weeks to prepare, a quick trip to YouTube to figure out who the hell he was fighting, and that was enough for the confident Mexican lightweight, who isn’t coming to Edmonton to put on a competitive fight. He’s coming to make a statement, steal a Performance of the Night bonus, and show the rest of the division exactly why he belongs in the UFC.
“I found out about the fight with about 5 or 6 weeks notice, and that’s how much time I had to prepare for this fight,” Perez told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“I didn’t know who he was, I had to go to YouTube to find some of his fights.”
Perez has done his homework on his opponent, and he likes what he sees when it comes to how their styles match up. He’s not interested in going back and forth for 15 minutes just to entertain the crowd, either. He wants to steal the show, collect a bonus, and make sure he’s the only one getting his hand raised.
“I think I have a style that will dominate his. He’s a bit more laid back, calmer, and I’m much more explosive than he is,” he said.
“I’m expecting to put on a performance of the night, and not a fight of the night from both of us.”
Making it to the UFC was never a question of if for Perez, but when. Perez always knew he belonged among the UFC’s best, but admits his opportunity came sooner than expected.
“I always knew I’d make it to the UFC. I know I’m a UFC-caliber fighter, but I thought it was going to take a bit longer,” said Perez.
Perez isn’t losing any sleep over betting odds or whether people expect him to win or lose. For him, it’s all about stepping into the cage, putting on a show, and doing what he loves.
“I don’t care about being an underdog or a favorite. I get paid to fight,” he said.
“Fans buy a ticket to watch me fight. I’m a complete fighter. When I get into the cage I feel free.”
Perez isn’t coming into the lightweight division looking to make friends or take the easy road to the top. Perez wants the lightweight division to know that stepping into the cage with him means one hell of a fight.
“I am a fighter, 100% a Mexican warrior, and I won’t allow an opponent to take my dream easily,” Perez told Cageside Press.
“I’m going to bring a hard fight so whoever stands in front of me better be ready for a tough fight.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Cristian Perez above. He faces Kyle Nelson at UFC Edmonton on Saturday night.
Translated by Cageside Press.