Las Vegas — Argentinian lightweight Esteban Ribovics finds himself in an interesting spot at UFC 306 this Saturday, where he’s been paired up with Mexico’s Daniel Zellhuber.
Ribovics (13-1), a Contender Series alum on a two-fight win streak, is fighting in Las Vegas, but on a card marketed as “Riyadh Season Noche UFC” – in essence a card booked to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
Despite fighting a Mexican opponent at an event designed to celebrate them, Ribovics doesn’t appear to be concerned with any “hostile territory” storylines.
“I don’t think I feel like I’m in enemy territory. To be honest, I’m enjoying the whole experience, and I actually like to fight outside my comfort zone,” he told media outlets including Cageside Press during Wednesday’s UFC 306 media day. “I like to fight coming in and fighting as a guest, so I’m just taking in the moment.”
The 28-year old lightweight, now 2-1 in the promotion, is coming into Saturday off a sub-one minute head kick KO of Terrance McKinney. Fans exploded at the highlight reel finish, and it seems to have earned Ribovics a new contract.
“I needed that win. I’m glad I did it,” said Ribovics, who confirmed he did indeed ink a new deal with the UFC for “a couple fights more.” That, he continued, “gives me more stability now. I’m able to focus and train better. Things are looking up, but that just gives me more drive and motivation to keep going forward.”
As for the fight with Zellhuber, Esteban Ribovics is just surprised it didn’t happen a little later on, given they’re both stellar prospects at 155lbs.
“He’s a great fighter. I respect him a lot. As I’ve said previously, we should have had the opportunity maybe to fight further along in my career. Maybe we would have had the opportunity to develop and grow together,” stated Ribovics. Still, he appears to have happily accepted the assignment. “This is a great fight now. I’m ready for this fight. I think this is going to be an insane fight, and no one wants to miss it. I have nothing but respect for him, he’s a great fighter, great contender coming up from Mexico.”
Watch the full UFC 306 media day appearance by Esteban Ribovics above.
