Despite being in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 24, “there’s really no difference” between that and his other fights, Drakkar Klose said ahead of the event. “I don’t get paid anymore,” he pointed out during this week’s media day.
Klose is coming back from a cancelled bout, that came about after a cornerman tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year. After the fight fell through, the entire camp tested negative. “Oh well, it’s a bigger name” he exclaimed.
It is. This time out, Klose is facing Jeremy Stephens, who makes his return to the lightweight division Saturday night. Previously, Klose had been scheduled against Violent Bob Ross, properly Luis Pena. It’s not a fight Klose felt the need to reschedule.
“I think I would have went in there and just smashed that dude,” he stated. “I think this is a better opponent. He’s going to bring a little more problems to me. I’m excited for the challenge.”
While Stephens might bring a few more problems to the fight, Klose didn’t hold back on his opinion of him. “He’s past his… the door is closing on him,” he stated. “You know that meme with [Bellator MMA CEO] Scott Coker waiting? They’re waiting on Jeremy right now.”
Whether Stephens is ready to be put to pasture remains to be seen. But Klose, coming off a single loss of his own, will have a chance to prove that come Saturday night. And it’s clear his words were not well received, after the Stephens initiated a shoving match at Friday’s weigh-in.
Drakkar Klose throws down with Jeremy Stephens at UFC Vegas 24 card on Saturday, April 17. The event airs live on ESPN (TSN in Canada).
