Las Vegas, NV — Canadian featherweight Hakeem Dawodu is paired up with arguably the biggest name of his career at UFC Vegas 78 this Saturday, when he takes on UFC Hall of Famer Cub Swanson.
That’s not the only reason this fight is a big one for “Mean” Hakeem’s career. The bout is also his first co-main event billing in the UFC.
“As of right now, it just feels like any other fight week, but I do understand the magnitude of this opportunity, so I’m taking it very seriously and making sure I’m seizing the opportunity,” Dawodu (13-3-1) told media outlets including Cageside Press during Thursday’s UFC Vegas 78 media day.
As to exactly what the magnitude of the opportunity is, Dawodu explained that “This is a big fight against a big name, against a legend that everybody knows. So I think if I make a big statement and get a finish this fight, it’s going to put me right back up in the ranking systems, and I can go back on my run and really try to be the champion that I know I can become.”
Dawodu’s manager was so high on the fight, he didn’t even check if his fighter wanted it. “It was a great match-up. My manager, he didn’t even really ask me, he’s like ‘yo I got you this fight and I know you’re going to want it,'” Dawodu recalled. “As soon as he said it, I was very excited, and I think it’s a great fight. I was very thankful that I got this opportunity, and I’m just happy and I think the fans are going to be happy as well.”
Dawodu is expecting an “explosive” fight from “Killer” Cub. “I know Cub Swanson likes to throw bombs. I like to throw bombs as well. I don’t think he’s going to be running from me, so it’s going to be one of those fights where I’m going to be able to display my skills and not be having to run and chase somebody down.
The likes of Mike Malott, Tanner Boser, and Chad Anheliger have all helped push Canadian MMA forward of late, noted Dawodu when asked about where the sport was in the country at the moment. It is, after all, just a couple of months removed from the UFC’s return to Canadian soil in Vancouver.
“We’ve got a great scene and I think it’s only going to get bigger,” said Dawodu. “So I’m just looking to contribute to this on my first co-main event, and keep blowing up the Canadian scene. I want to kind of be seen as the captain, team captain of Canada.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 78 media day appearance by Hakeem Dawodu above.
