UFC London: Jai Herbert “Chillin, Playing Chess” While Opponent Wastes Energy

London – There are fighters who prefer long camps and exact game plans for their opponents. Then there are those who just want someone across from them in the cage and for UFC lightweight Jai Herbert his opponent this Saturday at UFC London is just another guy.

Herbert (11-3) takes on Ilia Topuria on the main card of UFC London at The 02 Arena. Herbert was originally slated to face Mike Davis.

“Same old, same old isn’t it? Everyone’s good in the UFC so just got to be prepared for anyone,” Herbert said to reporters at media day.

Herbert is coming off a TKO win over Khama Worthy in October 2021. Topuria meanwhile last fought at UFC 264 where he beat Ryan Hall by knockout in the first round.

“Obviously he’s got very good submission skills his ground game is very good. I see him using his boxing, he’s got decent boxing, so I’m excited to be fighting him. I expect him to come out and try and trade and then shoot for a double leg. But you never know he could come out and start doing spinning heel kicks and everything. So I’ve just got to be prepared for everything. But yeah it’s an exciting fight,” Herbert said.

Topuria got into it with UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett on Tuesday at the fighter hotel. A video taken by Topuria’s team has made the rounds online leading some to believe that Topuria is not at all focused on his fight with Herbert.

“Let them waste their energy doing whatever f*ck they are doing. I’m doing my thing. I’m out here just chillin playing chess, drinking a cup of tea you know, having slippers on and that. They can waste their energy doing whatever they’re doing. I’m just out here chillin. Ready for Saturday.”

Ultimately Herbert has one objective for his fight this weekend.

“You can expect from me coming out there throwing hands. You never know might shoot a double leg or something. I’m going to surprise ya’ll Saturday night trust me.”

Watch the full UFC London media day scrum with Jai Herbert above. More coverage from the event can be found below. Herbert faces Ilia Topuria at the Fight Night card this Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the O2 Arena in London, England.