With a 3-2 record under the UFC banner, flyweight Lone’er Kavanagh has had a rather interesting start to his career in the promotion.
Kavanagh won his first two bouts with crystal clear decisions, then ran into Charles Johnson, who served up the first loss of his career. Despite that setback, he jumped at a chance to fight ex-champ Brandon Moreno next, securing a massive upset victory back in February.
His follow-up fight, against another Brandon, Brandon Royval, didn’t work out quite as well; Kavanagh was submitted in the third round, though the action earned the pair Fight of the Night honors at UFC 329.
Now, Kavanagh (10-2) looks to get back on track against Ramazan Temirov, an Uzbek who hasn’t lost a fight since 2019. He’s 3-0 in the company, coming off a knockout victory over Steve Erceg. A showing Kavanagh is well aware of.
“I did watch his performance, it was a very good performance,” Kavanagh stated during the UFC 333 media day, asked whether Temirov had been on his radar, and whether he’d seen the Erceg KO. “And in terms of him being on my radar, anyone in the circuit’s on my radar. He wants to climb up the rankings, and I was the next step.”
Kavanagh wasn’t taking anything away from his opponent. “Definitely impressed. To get 13 first round finishes is impressive, and I agree it will be a good fight. I think it will be a good fight for the fans to watch.”
Kavanagh also recognized Ramazan Temirov’s power, but believes a win over him will land him back in the top five. “It’s a respectable opponent, and a win in a spectacular fashion here puts me right back at the top.”
Regardless of the outcome between Kavanagh and Temirov, it’s expected that Manel Kape will get the next title shot against Joshua Van. And in that fight, Kavanagh is siding with the flyweight champ.
“To be honest, you can’t bet against Josh Van anymore, so I’m going to say him,” stated Kavanagh.
Watch the full UFC 333 media day appearance by Lone’er Kavanagh above.