Ricardo Lamas unfazed by short-notice opponent replacement for UFC on ESPN+33

Ricardo Lamas is relying on his veteran experience ahead of Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+33.

The former UFC title challenger was forced to make some last-minute adjustments, as he had a switch in opponent just a week out from his fight. Lamas (19-8 MMA, 10-6 UFC) was scheduled to take on Ryan Hall in a 145-pound contest, but Hall was forced to withdraw the bout. And just days from the event, the UFC was able to find Lamas a replacement opponent – UFC newcomer Bill Algeo.

“At first it was just alarming because I didn’t know if they were going to be able to find an opponent, and it sucks when it happens at that point and you’re pretty much on your last week of camp, last few days of training,” Lamas told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at today’s virtual media day session. “When something like that happens, it took me about 12 hours to process it, sink it in, and kind of re-adjust my mindset. But once I did that, I was good, and I just kept training until I they came back and said Bill Algeo took the fight. So thank you to him for taking it on short notice during these crazy times.”

Lamas was preparing for a jiu-jitsu specialist with the Hall matchup. The 38-year-old veteran said he is not going to let the change in styles throw him off and feels he’s ready for anything.

“I was prepping for a ground opponent, but I wasn’t neglecting other areas,” Lamas explained. “So just like every camp, I train for just about anything, and I feel prepared no matter who they put me in there with.”

Lamas feels the pressure is the same no matter if he’s facing a UFC newcomer or a talented grappler like Hall.

“There’s pressure for every fight, that just comes with the job, and you have to deal with it,” Lamas said. “That’s what I’ve done since day one. I don’t think it’s any different for any fight. I know he’s a newcomer and he’s going to try to prove people he belongs here, but I’m trying to prove to people there’s levels to this game.”