Myktybek Orolbai enters UFC Qatar on Saturday with the momentum of a rising force and the poise of a fighter far ahead of his years, stepping into the biggest opportunity of his career when he meets longtime contender Jack Hermansson.
After bursting onto the UFC scene with dominant performances, Orolbai now faces a veteran who has competed at the highest levels of the sport. an ideal proving ground for a welterweight hopeful eager to announce himself as the division’s next contender.
“As always I’m very ready. I prepared for three months for this fight. I know Jack was a really great fighter in his division. Hopefully this Saturday it’s going to be a great fight for everybody,” Orolbai told reporters through a translator on Wednesday.
Orolbai (14-2-1) will be the one welcoming Hermansson to the welterweight division in Qatar, and he isn’t interested in how the veteran’s weight cut plays out. No matter how Hermansson feels on fight night, Orolbai plans to impose himself and dominate from the start.
“Weight cutting always is not fun, but to be honest I’m not concerned about how much weight he has to cut. What I’m worried about is being prepared, being ready, and with God’s help, smash,” he said.
“I’m hoping it’s going to be a good fight, you know, I’m ready for everything. Whether it’s going to go stand-up, whether it’s going to go to the ground. I know he’s good in both areas as well,” he said.
“With God’s help I hope that on Saturday I show you that there’s levels to this game.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Mytybek Orolabi above. He faces Jack Hermansson at UFC Qatar on Saturday.
