\n<\/p>\n
Cristian Perez didn\u2019t know much about Kyle Nelson when he got the call to make his UFC debut at UFC Edmonton on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t coming to Edmonton to put on a competitive fight. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI found out about the fight with about 5 or 6 weeks notice, and that\u2019s how much time I had to prepare for this fight,\u201d Perez told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know who he was, I had to go to YouTube to find some of his fights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perez has done his homework on his opponent, and he likes what he sees when it comes to how their styles match up. He\u2019s 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\u2019s the only one getting his hand raised.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I have a style that will dominate his. He\u2019s a bit more laid back, calmer, and I\u2019m much more explosive than he is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m expecting to put on a performance of the night, and not a fight of the night from both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Making it to the UFC was never a question of if for Perez, but when. Perez always knew he belonged among the UFC\u2019s best, but admits his opportunity came sooner than expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always knew I\u2019d make it to the UFC. I know I\u2019m a UFC-caliber fighter, but I thought it was going to take a bit longer,\u201d said Perez.<\/p>\n
Perez isn\u2019t losing any sleep over betting odds or whether people expect him to win or lose. For him, it\u2019s all about stepping into the cage, putting on a show, and doing what he loves.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t care about being an underdog or a favorite. I get paid to fight,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFans buy a ticket to watch me fight. I\u2019m a complete fighter. When I get into the cage I feel free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perez isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am a fighter, 100% a Mexican warrior, and I won\u2019t allow an opponent to take my dream easily,\u201d Perez told Cageside Press.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to bring a hard fight so whoever stands in front of me better be ready for a tough fight.\u201d<\/p>\n