Under the bright lights of UFC 326, newcomer Alberto Montes made an immediate statement in his promotional debut. The featherweight prospect turned in an impressive performance against veteran Ricky Turcios, earning the submission victory and beginning his UFC run on a positive note.
“I feel great! After I won my contract (on DWCS), I got injured. I’ve never been out as long as I was with this injury,” Montes told reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum.
“During this fight week I began to feel like I belong here. I belong in the UFC and I belong at the highest level.”
Montes (11-1) described himself as a well-rounded fighter capable of adapting to whatever style a matchup demands. While he believes he can compete comfortably in every phase of MMA, he admitted there is one approach he naturally gravitates toward.
“I’m the type of fighter than can do it all. I can counter, I can pressure, I can grapple, I can fight anywhere. You won’t find holes in my game,” he said.
“But if you’re asking what I prefer to do, I love to bring the pressure and go forward at my opponent.”
Montes said the experience of his UFC debut only fueled his desire to return to the Octagon as quickly as possible. After the emotions of fight week and the performance itself, he made it clear he’s eager to build momentum in the division.
“I’m looking to come back very soon. I want to feel what I felt this fight week again, what I felt in camp and what I felt in this fight. I’ve got some personal things to figure out, but I’m going to ask for another fight,” he said.
“I’ll be ready to go.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Alberto Montes above.
*Translated by Cageside Press
