For a lot of fighters, fighting half-way across the world can be a daunting task. So when the PFL Championships were announced for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, there were likely some wide eyes. Perhaps none as wide as Jose Perez.
Not only has the Illinois-based fighter never been to Saudi Arabia before, but he’s not travelled internationally at all.
“So I’ve never been out of the country, period,” Perez explained. “Not for leisure, vacation or anything. I just barely got a passport. This is all new to me.”
While some might try to hide their feelings about the travel, Perez is open about it. No matter where it is he’s travelling, the concept is not familiar nor is it his favorite aspect of his unique job.
“I’m nervous. There’s always a little nerves involved with a fight, but I’m much more nervous of the airport than Asaël [Adjoudj] by a longshot,” he said. “I’m more worried about travelling and the culture shock and everything like that. Even just travelling across the country when I was within the country, if you see me at the airport, I look like a puppy dog following my coach around.”
Of course, while he is nervous about the travel, the fight game is a whole different story. That’s the realm where he feels most comfortable and one where he feels like he’ll be able to make a statement come Friday.
“I know how to fight, but everything else, I’m just learning,” Perez said. “[I’m getting a] second round submission and that’s being liberal with the time. If he hits the ground with me in the first round and we’re dry – he’s f*cked.”
The fun part of things for Jose Perez takes place this Friday. He faces Asaël Adjoudj as part of the 2024 PFL Championship card. That fight card takes place starting at 7am EST on ESPN+.
