Jared Gooden knows he put himself in position to take on a big challenge at UFC on ESPN 28, but he said he’s up for it.
After losing his first two UFC appearances, Gooden (17-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) stepped up into a risky position on Saturday when he jumped in as a replacement opponent against Niklas Stolze (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC). The welterweight bout is part of the ESPN-televised main card from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Stolze’s original opponent fell out on fight week, and with just four days’ notice, Gooden offered his services. He said he was training hard when the opportunity came, and feels more prepared than the time would indicate.
That puts even more pressure on Gooden to win, he said. A loss could spell the end of his UFC run, but he said he’s keen to go all-in on this opportunity.
“I do believe my back is against the wall, and I kind of like it this way,” Gooden told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Thursday’s UFC on ESPN 28 media day. “Especially short notice. I feel like everything’s against me. Pressure makes diamonds or it works against you. I think it’s going to make me a diamond.”
Watch the video above for Gooden’s complete media day appearance where he discusses the matchup with Stolze and much more.
Jared Gooden relishes fighting for job on 4 days’ notice at UFC on ESPN 28
