Mexico City – Fighting on home soil UFC bantamweight Cristian Quiñonez reflected on his journey to fighting and the role his brother Teco played as he prepares to face Raoni Barcelos at UFC Mexico City on Saturday night.
“It’s something amazing you know? It’s like returning the favor. He made me believe that we could do this. So I tell him hey man now it’s my turn to show you that it can be done,” Quiñonez told reporters on Wednesday.
His brother, Teco Quiñonez, last fought in the UFC in December 2020, but was let go following a two-fight losing streak. His influence and work in training with Cristian has been valuable to the bantamweight.
“It’s a big advantage to have someone in the same weight class. We’ve trained together since we were little so it’s like we’re both fixing those small details. He has a lot of experience in the fight game and he helps me a lot,” Quiñonez said.
“He’s always been in my ear, specially when I’m a bit confused, and for me it’s best.”
Quiñonez faces Barcelos in Mexico City who comes into the fight on a two-fight losing streak.
“I respect him a lot. He’s someone with a lot of experience like myself. I think he’s the perfect opponent to put on a war in the cage with everyone loves to see,” he said.
Watch the entire media day scrum with Cristian Quiñonez above. He takes on Raoni Barcelos at UFC Mexico City on Saturday night.
* Translation done by Cageside Press.
