Las Vegas, NV – Brand new weight class for now UFC flyweight Nate Maness when he takes on Tagir Ulanbevok at UFC Vegas 64 on Saturday night.
The move to flyweight, for a man the size of Maness made some people question whether it was the right move for the former bantamweight.
“It’s a lot different I’m not going to lie to you, but I’m excited about it,” Maness told the media on Wednesday.
“The hard part’s fixing to come tomorrow (Thursday).”
Maness (14-2) detailed some of the work he’s done to make the cut easier on himself.
“I’m lower (in weight) than I’ve ever been. Things went real smooth. I’ve been working with Nicole at the PI here. I’m ready to make it, and I’m going to make it,” Maness said.
The move to 125 wasn’t random for Maness. Even with a 3-1 record at bantamweight Maness still felt like the move to flyweight was a necessary one.
“Just been getting smaller. The weight cuts are supposed to get harder, but I’ve been smaller getting into the cage every single fight since I’ve been in the UFC. I don’t know if that’s harder training or better diet, but I was the smallest I’ve ever been against Umar (Nurmagomedov),” he said.
“Everybody’s cutting weight and I think I just needed to do this and even out the playing field a little bit.”
Maness made sure he’d make it by starting his cut early.
“I started a little early, but I wasn’t sure how my body would react to it. I know now about when to start my diet and when to cut the calories and things like that. But it’s all a learning experience,” Maness said.
“I feel good. I’ll be ready.”
Maness isn’t jumping into flyweight taking on a prospect. He’s drawn #15 ranked Tagir Ulanbevok for his first fight at 125.
“I’m excited about it, and I get another shot at Team Khabib. My last performance wasn’t the best so I’ve got to get that one back, and I want to be ranked. I think I’m going to make a splash in this division,” he said.
“I think I’m big for the division. Happy it’s Tagir. He was #15 when we signed the bout so I’m excited about it.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Nate Maness above. He takes on Tagir Ulanbevok at UFC Vegas 64 on Saturday night.
