Trevin Giles admits late change to James Krause threw him off at UFC 247

HOUSTON – Trevin Giles beat James Krause with a split decision Saturday to close out the preliminary card at UFC 247 in Houston.

Take a look inside the fight with Giles, who fought Krause after Krause stepped in on a day’s notice for Antonio Arroyo.

Result: Trevin Giles def. James Krause via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Giles (12-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Krause (27-8 MMA, 8-4 UFC)
Key stat: Giles outstruck Krause 88-59.

Giles on the fight’s key moment

“I lost my last two fights to some chokes, so I was determined to not let that happen again. I just let it ride and tried to stay sound on my defense. It worked out for me. I was able to escape and get the win. The other rounds … I just know I hit him with some rough shots. I was trying to be aggressive. I got a little bit reckless. He was able to land more punches than I would have liked, but I was trying to get him down. He took some rough shots and I was surprised with him moving up in weight that he took those shots. The guy has a chin. I thought I almost finished him. It didn’t quite work out that way. He persevered, and that’s pretty much how the rest of the fight went. I got a little sloppy. I was trying to get him out of there. I don’t like decisions, but I still got the win and that’s what matters.”

Giles on Krause stepping up

“The last-minute change in opponent definitely made a difference. I guess the guy I was expected to fight wasn’t really responsible with his weight cut. It was tougher on him than it should have been, but the switch happened. They asked me if I wanted to take this fight and I had just got done with cutting weight. I wasn’t going to refuse it. I just want to thank my new opponent. The guy stepped in last minute, did not have to say anything, and we got the fight done.”

Giles on fighting in Houston

“I love Houston. This is my true home here. I loved to be able to get a win for the crowd. It was important for me. This was my dream to be able to come here in the UFC and fight in Houston, Texas.”

To hear more from Giles, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.