He’s not quite Santa Claus, but UFC featherweight Gavin Tucker (13-1) has a list. Better yet, make that a folder. So switching opponents from Cub Swanson (the pair were expected to face off in May) to Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 21 this weekend was very doable.
“Yeah there’s a change, but I have a folder for everybody,” he told Cageside Press during the UFC Vegas 21 media day on Thursday. What he has to do now, noted Tucker, is change folders.
2020 was a downright horrid year for most people, but Canada’s Tucker is one fighter who found success in the cage. Two fights, two wins. “The last year has been tough on the world, tough on everyone, but we were really fortunate where we were able to get some training in, have a good setup, and kind of be well planned for it,” the featherweight explained. “Having the opportunity to fight is obviously a massive bonus, and getting two wins is an even bigger bonus.”
The plan now, said Tucker, is to continue that momentum. That brings him to Ige, the highest-ranked opponent of his six-fight UFC career. The Hawaiian currently sits at #9 at 145lbs.
“As an opponent I think he brings a well-rounded game. He’s got a good energy system, good cardio throughout the fight,” observed Tucker. While he didn’t want to get into too many specifics or give his game plan away, “The Guv’nor” added that “he’s a world-class opponent. The number next to his name is a testament to that.”
That number is exactly what Tucker is after. And in 2021 as a whole, the goal is to “get the most out of myself,” said Tucker. “Optimize my training, optimize my performance, be the best athlete I can, and be a good man.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 21 virtual media day scrum with Gavin Tucker above. The event takes place this Saturday, March 13 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
