LAS VEGAS – Ike Villanueva is ready to make a statement on Saturday and has gone out of his way to make sure everyone knows it.
Villanueva (18-12 MMA, 1-3 UFC) takes on Nick Negumeranu on the prelims of UFC Fight Night 196, in a very important fight for the Texas-based light heavyweight.
“Every fight to me going forward is like a Game 7,” Villanueva told MMA Junkie and other reporters at the UFC Fight Night 196 media day. “You gotta go balls to the wall. Let’s get it, because hey, tomorrow’s not guaranteed here. You gotta make the most out of every opportunity you get in life.”
Villanueva has lived up to his words thus far during fight week, as he was not originally scheduled to be a part of Wednesday’s official media obligations. However, he asked for the opportunity to speak to the media and he was given that chance to let his voice be heard.
Negumereanu (10-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) has an impressive record, but it is of no concern to Villanueva, who will be looking to rebound from a loss in June and close out his 2021 campaign on a high note. In January, he got his year started off with an impressive second-round knockout of Vinicius Moreira.
“The Hurricane is still here, man,” Villanueva said. “I’m trying to make another highlight like Abu Dhabi. Let’s go!”
UFC Fight Night 196 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, airing on ESPN+.
Check out the full interview with Villanueva in the video above.
With future uncertain, Ike Villanueva views UFC Fight Night 196 bout as a ‘Game 7’
