For Canadian bantamweight Charles Jourdain, even bigger than getting the co-main event slot at UFC Winnipeg is the chance to crack the division’s top 15.
With opponent Kyler Phillips previously holding the #14 spot, “a victory over him will solidify my place as a top 15 fighter,” Jourdain (17-8-1) said during Wednesday’s UFC Winnipeg media day. “So co-main event is beautiful, I’m very happy, I think the Canadian fans are very happy with that, but most importantly for me is my shot at the top 15.”
With two straight wins since arriving at 135lbs, former featherweight (and lightweight) Jourdain has looked remarkedly improved. Part of that was the sacrifice, as he put it, of “letting my old self, the weak Charles, out of the way.”
Jourdain believes he was essentially coasting on skill alone, leading to the Quebec native trading wins and losses back and forth. “You cannot order pizza two days before leaving for Fight Week and you’re fighting Jean Silva, who rehydrates 25 pounds, something like that,” admitted Jourdain. “The sacrifice was letting go of my weak part.”
The Canadian is certain that a win this Saturday will land him in the top 15 at bantamweight. “I finished Victor Henry, who had never been finished. Destroyed Davey Grant like nobody has ever done to him. And now destroying Kyler Phillips, who’s never been finished — I’ll be the first one to put a decisive victory on him. Because you know, winning by decision is something, but me, when you need to expect fire at bantamweight, I truly believe I can finish all these guys.”
Jourdain says he did “a lot of visualization” ahead of UFC Winnipeg, and sees a couple of possibilities: a changed Kyler Phillips, or one who is a little more desperate coming off two losses.
“Sometimes fighters have a tendency to reinvent themselves. I’ve done it myself. Reinvent yourself. But if he reinvents himself, he’s not going to be peak Kyler. Or if he fights like Kyler fights, we’ve prepared a toolbox ready to destroy and counter anything he’s bringing. So whatever version Kyler will bring, we’ll be able to destroy.”
Watch the full UFC Winnipeg media day appearance by Charles Jourdain above.
