Dan Ige returns to the Octagon at UFC Houston with a sense of urgency. Coming off a tough loss to Patricio Pitbull last year, the veteran featherweight faces surging Brazilian contender Melquizael Costa in a pivotal matchup that could determine whether Ige stays in the crowded 145-pound rankings picture or slides further from contention.
“Yeah, don’t get stuck in a cradle for 30 seconds. That’s basically what it came down to,” Ige told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“Round one wasn’t much, but it came down to that. 30 seconds of control on the ground. Round 2 he hurt me, round 3 I hurt him, I finished the fight strong. Didn’t get the decision, but what is there to work on? You just keep getting better and move on. I don’t dwell in the past.”
Ige (19-10) takes on an up-and-coming contender in Costa, and while many are buying into the hype of the prospect, Ige sure isn’t. Costa will need to prove it to the veteran fighter.
“I mean it’s just a fight. I don’t really play much into the rankings or the hype and the win streaks. Every fight’s a different puzzle. We go out there, we prepare out best. I’m sure he’ll be hungry and eager. Probably wants to get a number next to his name. He’s earned a shot most definitely on a 5-fight win streak,” he said.
“He’s looked great, but he’s going to be standing across from me on Saturday night and have to deal with me. I don’t really listen to the noise too much. I’m just going to go out there and do my job and look to put him away just like anyone else.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Dan Ige above. He faces Melquizael Costa at UFC Houston on Saturday night.
