LAS VEGAS – Nate Maness already has mapped out what’s next with a win at UFC on ESPN 38.
Maness (14-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) faces undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov (14-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) on Saturday’s main card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN2/ESPN+.
If he’s able to bounce Nurmagomedov out of the ranks of the unbeaten, Maness is hoping to get matched up with Adrian Yanez (16-3 MMA, 5-0 UFC) next. Yanez is fresh off a knockout of Tony Kelley this past Saturday at UFC on ESPN 37.
“I think a win over any Nurmagomedov is going to do great things for you,” Maness told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 38 media day. “It’s the last name. But yeah, I hope to break into the top 15 with this fight. I know me and Adrian Yanez have had some going back-and-forth and he’s broke into the top 15, so that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.
“I called for him a year-and-a-half ago. He didn’t call me out – I called him out. … I think he looks good every fight. I’m a fan. I love to watch him fight. I like his style. I think he’ll stand right in the middle with me and that I will put on a show.”
Check out the full media day interview with Maness in the video above.
UFC on ESPN 38’s Nate Maness eyes Adrian Yanez with Umar Nurmagomedov win
