Till Won’t Let ‘Niggly’ Ankle Keep Him From UFC 248

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Now that Darren Till has established himself as a legitimate contender at 185 pounds, courtesy of his split-decision win over Kelvin Gastelum at the UFC 244 pay-per-view (PPV) event last November in New York, “The Gorilla” wants to jump back into the fray and work his way up to a middleweight title shot.

The means to that end would be a commanding performance against No. 4-ranked title contender, Jared Cannonier, who like Till, is hoping that his next big win will be the key to unlocking a crack at the division crown. Right now, both fighters have their sights set on UFC 248, which takes place next month in Las Vegas.

“I think right now maybe 50/50,” Till told Fight Disciples about competing at UFC 248 (transcribed by MMA Junkie). “Openly, I know the UFC has been speaking to my manager and trying to sort out something – a good deal to get the fight going. All I can say to you – and I’m very honest – is I hope the fight comes off. I want to fight the best. I want to fight the scariest dudes. Cannonier is definitely one of them, so hopefully we can sort something (out). I want to get that title this year. I want to start cementing my name.”

Till was expected to make his Octagon return this spring; however, promotion president, Dana White, told the combat sports media that “The Gorilla” injured his ankle and would be unable to be ready for March 7, a claim Till was quick to deny.

“You know me – always niggles,” Till said about his much-ballyhooed injury. “My ankle is just a bit niggly. It’s just a little floating injury I’ve always had. Right up until this point I’ve been saying it: I’m ready to fight. If the call comes, I don’t have to cut too much weight. I’ll be 90 percent ready.”

Your move, UFC.