UFC London: Jai Herbert Says He Was “Thrown into the Fire” to Start UFC Run

London, England — Jai Herbert gets a second chance to make a big impression at home this Saturday at UFC London.

The second UFC London card of 2022, this weekend is a do-over for “The Black Country Banger,” who started off strong but was caught by Ilia Topuria in the pair’s lightweight fight back in March.

“I’m glad I got another change to get on the card,” Herbert (11-4) told media outlets including Cageside Press during this week’s media day. “It was a great atmosphere, a great thing to be a part of from the weigh-ins on the Friday, ceremonial weigh-ins, seeing all the fans cheering me on, and even on the day of the fights, cheering me on while I was there. It was a great atmosphere, a great thing to be a part of. So I’m happy to be here. I’ve come here to get the win. If I stick to the game plan, do me, I’ll get the win.”

Key to that will be not trying to chase KOs or big finishes. “If I just go out there and look for the win, then no one’s touching me.”

The man trying to touch him, and more accurately beat him, will be Canadian Kyle “The Monster” Nelson. Nelson has been on the sidelines since 2020, and is returning to 155 pounds in the fight.

“Solid opponent, good all around. He looks like a strong guy, looks like he comes out fast, comes out strong, likes to throw heavy,” Herbert observed. “Looks like he’s a wrestler as well, he will grapple. Solid opponent, you know? That’s what I’ve been preparing for. I’m excited to test my skills against him.”

With a 1-3 record in the UFC, Herbert hasn’t had the results he’s wanted so far in the promotion — but he also spoke about being thrown in the deep end after fighting names like Francisco Trinaldo and Ilia Topuria.

“I feel like the UFC guys, they don’t just go away as easy. They’re here to win, they’re here to provide for their families. To get better contracts, better living, chase their dream that they’ve been working for their whole lives, the UFC title. So these guys are like serious guys. They’re in there to win.” It’s the little things that Herbert hadn’t seen before that caught him, but “now I’ve learned that. I’ve been thrown into the fire, in the deep end, but I feel like it’s pushed me loads, given me loads of experience. But I can just take from that and make myself a better fighter.”

Watch the full UFC London media day appearance from Jai Herbert above. The event takes place this Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the O2 Arena in London, England.