JACK SHORE is heartbroken to miss UFC London, but he refuses to let it distract him from his fight with Ricky Simon.
The Welshman will be back in the Octagon on Saturday night to face fellow prospect Simon at UFC Long Island. This is just one week before the promotion's return from London.
Jack Shore is disappointed to miss UFC London, but has big plans
Shore, 27 years old, blew the O2 Arena roof in the UFC’s last London visit in March. It was an iconic night in UK MMA.
Tank stated to SunSport that he was "gutted" not to be fighting at UFC London. Initiallly, I was devastated. After last year's experience in London, it would have been great to be able to fight again.
"But at the end of the day, it's also nice fighting for the American crowd. It helps me build my profile.
"I know that I have a lot of fans here, so it will be nice to put on an event for them."
The win over Simon, a highly-rated Simon, will increase the demand for Shore to join the bantamweight division’s elite.
Shore is open to doing this later in the year as long as it's within his timeframe.
He stated, "It would be great to get another fight this year. Maybe October or November."
"It'll take me a while to go on vacation with the Mrs. But it would be great to fight again this season.
"But I'm in the position where I have to start, not picking my fights but picking smartly, making sure the timing, the location, and the opponent make sense."
He said, "A fight against someone in the top 10 next would be fantastic. A win over Ricky would put me in a position where I can call for it.
"If I beat him I don’t see how I can’t prove myself in top ten.
"Every fight becomes more difficult at this stage so it would be nice if you could push on and fight the guys next."
If Shore can overcome the formidable Simon, he is also open to a match-up against Sean O'Malley or Adrian Yanez.
He stated, "I'm open for fights with anybody." You can call them prospect, legend, or contender.
Jack Shore will face Ricky Simon inside the UFC octagon.
"I'm willing to fight anyone in the division, because we all know that ultimately, we will fight each other."
"We are in a sport where only the best can fight and I'm here for that."
Shore ran to Simon right after his exciting win over Timur Valiev, and is eager to face the former LFA champion.
He stated, "I'm very excited for the fight. It was a fight we wanted and both requested, and I believe it will be an exciting fight for the supporters.
"I don’t see how this fight won’t live up to the hype.
"A win, it will definitely prove my level when I beat him."
Shore and Richard, a pioneer in the UK MMA scene, have done everything possible to prepare for their clash with Simon. They expect Simon to be heavy on the wrestling.
Simon was described by the Brit as a "very good wrestler." He can also strike. As a wrestler, it wouldn't surprise me if he tried to put me on my back or grind me down.
"But in an ideal universe, I'll stop the takedown immediately and hit him with my own takedown. You can even reverse the situation.
"But if he does get you down, I have plenty of tricks or tools that I can use there."
"Who knows, I might even catch him with one of my submissions.
"Fingers crossed that we get the finish. But a win. Whatever it is, I'll be content with a win.
You can watch Jack Shore face Ricky Simon at UFCFIGHTNIGHT(r), ORTEGA vs. RODRIGUEZ live on BT Sport 2.
Prelims begin at PRIME TIME at 4PM BST on UFC Fight Pass. Main Card coverage starts on BT SPORT 2 at 7PM BST.
