Genaro Valdez won’t be alone for his UFC debut.
The Mexican fighter is set to make his first appearance in the UFC alongside three Entram Gym teammates. Valdez (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) joins Michael Morales, Silvana Gomez Juarez and UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno – who all compete on Saturday night at UFC 270 in Anaheim, Calif. Valdez takes on Matt Frevola in a lightweight matchup in the second fight of the night.
It’s a big night for Tijuana’s Entram Gym and one that Valdez is scheduled to kick off for the team.
“I’ve always liked to be on the same card as my friends because I feel less pressure and I feel less lonely,” Valdez told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I think sharing a card with the champion is super cool, and especially in this company. The truth is that I never thought about debuting with Brandon and all this. But it’s something that’s very cool and motivational.”
But Jan. 22 isn’t the only special night for Valdez. The undefeated fighter, who earned his UFC spot during the last season of Dana White’s Contender Series, has been enjoying the build for his first appearance as a UFC fighter.
“Yeah, the truth is that it has been (a really cool experience),” Valdez said. “At the UFC PI (Performance Institute) they help you with everything. They help you with nutrition, conditioning, therapy – and everything is top quality. It’s the best.
“I’m very thankful for the company, for the space, and allowing us to have these facilities. I can even take friends who enjoy the place. It’s something that’s very cool. It’s like Disneyland for fighters, and it’s cool. You like walk in the sauna and there’s an elite fighter who I never thought I’d be sharing a sauna with. It’s so cool to be among them.”
Valdez is solely focused on Frevola. He plans on picking up a good win in his debut and wants to keep as busy as he can.
“I want to fight against the best; that’s always been my mentality,” Valdez said. “Frevola is my obstacle, so I need to pass him and keep going. I plan on staying active. I can fight three or four more times this year. That would be really cool.”
Entram Gym’s Genaro Valdez glad to debut alongside teammates at UFC 270: ‘It’s less pressure’
