JAKE HADLEY doesn't feel any extra pressure ahead of his eagerly awaited UFC debut, despite Dana White's positive words about him.
Hadley won a victory over Mitch Raposo in a submission on Season 5 of Dana White’s Contender Series. This was his ticket to the top.
Jake Hadley secured a spot in UFC by winning season five of Dana White’s Contenders Series
However, matchmakers Mick Maynard (and Sean Shelby) weren't keen to sign the Brummie because he "upset” them and other UFC staff during fight week and didn't lose weight
White however chose to give Hadley a contract. However, the boss' faith is not an extra weight on Hadley's shoulders.
SunSport spoke with Team Renegade's 125-pounder, who said: "From the outside looking inside, I guess there is additional pressure.
"Especially considering it being my first fight in UFC and being on main card.
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"There is a lot of hype surrounding the fight, and people are asking themselves, 'Will it even make me lose weight?'"
"But it just feels like another day at work to me. "I've never been in big fights so it doesn't seem like any extra pressure."
White's praises have encouraged Hadley, even though they only confirmed his beliefs for many years.
He stated, "That was really, really nice to hear. It is something that I already know.
SUN BINGO GET PS50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY"I know that I am a special fighter and an athlete. I am surrounded by top-level fighters all of the time, and I can clearly see the difference between me and them.
"I know that I am a special athlete so I was not surprised that he said it.
"Actually, I was more surprised that he said that after that performance because I believe I've had better performances than guys that are probably stronger fighters than him."
Hadley will be fighting Brazilian Allan Nascimento in Hadley's first octagon bout at UFC Vegas 54 on Saturday.
Nascimento is the most difficult task in Hadley's career, and the 25 year-old is treating it accordingly.
However, he has thought about doing a quick turnaround in order to compete at UFC London this July.
The ex-Cage Warriors champion said, "Obviously that would have been ideal, but right now all I'm focusing on is Allan.
"After the fight we'll discuss it there and see what we can do to get me on the London Card.
"But at the moment my sole focus is Allan."
Hadley, who is undefeated, wants to make a mark as soon as possible in the stack flyweight division.
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He believes that this means he will start with a violent statement about the durable and experienced Nascimento.
He stated, "I'm going to fill him in right now and hopefully get that $50,000 bonus." That Violent Money!
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