LAS VEGAS – Ryan Hall finally will make his long-awaited return to the octagon, but the jiu-jitsu ace admits it’s been a tough road.
Hall (8-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) hasn’t competed since defeating Darren Elkins in July 2019. An array of frustrating circumstances, including COVID-19 cancellations and injuries, have kept him away from action.
But since getting a ranking number next to his name, “The Ultimate Fighter” finalist has struggled to land ranked opponents. When he finally did in the form of Dan Ige, he unfortunately had to withdraw due to injury.
“I think that I’m by far the most unique fighter in the top 15, 20, whatever you want to say, just in terms of skill set approach,” Hall told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at Wednesday’s media session at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. “I get where that’s coming from, but from a sporting perspective, that’s unacceptable.
“I’m a martial artist. I would take all of the biggest challenges, the most unique challenges, those that are particularly interesting to me. I understand if people feel differently, but I think they should be made to fight. I can’t say exactly why people are avoiding it, but I think the time of that is hopefully coming to an end.”
Hall takes on highly touted and unbeaten prospect Ilia Topuria (10-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) Saturday at UFC 264. Although he’s not the ranked opponent Hall was looking for, he still thinks he’s formidable as an opponent.
“He’s a tough opponent – I think he’s top class,” Hall said. “I think that he’s as good as many people in the top 15 already, and I look forward to competing against a big challenge on Saturday. If we come out of there with a good outcome, I want to get right back in.”
UFC 264 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
