Hamdy Abdelwahab makes his return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 321, stepping in against fan-favorite Chris Barnett in a heavyweight showdown.
After a turbulent layoff outside the cage, the undefeated Egyptian powerhouse now looks to reclaim momentum and reintroduce himself to the division.
“It’s been great, great week, great camp. I think most people know exactly why I’m on this card. I’m fighting in almost my hometown,” Abdelwahab told reporters including Cageside Press on Saturday.
“I moved to Dubai two months ago so it feels like I’m home. I’m fighting in my house.”
Abdelwahab (4-1) didn’t hesitate when asked about drawing Barnett on the biggest stage of his career. Locked in and unfazed by the moment, he sees the matchup as an opportunity more than a risk.
“I like the matchup. I respect him as a fighter, and as athletics. I look (at) any opponents I fight as the best fighter in the world to prepare myself in the best way. Every opponent I have has weak points and his strong points,” he said.
Abdelwahab also reflected candidly on the chaotic start to his UFC run which he believes was one that never truly got the chance to build momentum before it was derailed. What should have been a breakthrough moment instead turned into an unexpected setback.
“The first fight was like less than 12 days notice and I accepted. It was my debut. Then whatever happened, I was suspended, and I’m here now,” he said.
“It was three years. Of course it was too harsh. Takes too many things from me. The most thing it takes is the confidence that you were in the cage. I lost a lot of confidence. It was so bad for me.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Hamdy Abdelwahab above. He faces Christ Barnett at UFC 321 on Saturday.
