LAS VEGAS – Daniel Rodriguez thinks Mike Perry is the perfect opponent to kickstart a new run in the UFC’s welterweight division.
Rodriguez meets Perry in the main card of Saturday’s UFC on ABC 2 event, which takes place at the UFC Apex.
Though he’s coming off a close loss to Nicolas Dalby in November, Rodriguez (13-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) said he felt blessed to draw a notable name like Perry (14-7 MMA, 7-7 UFC), who’s competed against some of the best in the world at 170 pounds.
“That’s a great opportunity, especially coming off a loss,” Rodriguez told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC on ABC 2 media session at the UFC Apex. “We’re both coming off losses, and it’s just a great opportunity. It’s kind of a blessing in disguise for me because I need a big-name opponent, and as hungry as I am coming off that loss, this is the perfect opportunity for me.”
Rodriguez knows that he’s in for a war with the tough and durable Perry and hopes that an impressive win over “Platinum” will give him the career boost he’s looking for.
“I would like to go out there and dominate,” Rodriguez said. “When I train, in my mind, I envision those wars. That’s what pushes me, that’s what keeps me going. Next thing you know, I’m running, and I’m thinking about these wars, and next thing you know, I’m sprinting. I use it all as motivation and on paper, yeah, this is a great fight. It’s great matchmaking by the UFC.”
He continued, “I’m hungry. This is the perfect opportunity on national television to gain the exposure that I’ve always wanted and with the perfect opportunity with Mike Perry. To really gain some momentum and take these next-level, higher-level opponents. I feel like he’s the beginning of the next-level opponents I’m gonna start facing.”
To see the full interview with Rodriguez, check out the video above.
UFC’s Daniel Rodriguez: Mike Perry win would be springboard for ‘next-level’ opponents
