Yadier Del Valle isn’t intimidated by the moment or the man standing across from him.
Still, “The Cuban Problem” knows he’ll be sharing the Octagon with one of the toughest veterans in UFC history when he faces Darren Elkins at UFC Vegas 120 on Saturday. He expects a war with Elkins who will be taking part in the final fight of his pro MMA career.
“To tell you the truth, I’m excited for the opportunity to fight Darren Elkins who is a legend in the sport,” del Valle told reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s an honor for me to share the octagon. with him in his last fight. I’m very happy to be given this opportunity.”
Del Valle respects everything Elkins has accomplished, recognizing the veteran’s grit, toughness, and reputation for turning every fight into a dogfight. Del Valle welcomes it and believes fans are in for a wild fight.
“He goes into the cage and gives his all. He’s very aggressive and likes to put on a show. He’s never in boring fights, and we’re ready for that. We’re here to keep pace in the fight, impose our game plan, and go to war for the fans,” he said.
Del Valle isn’t dwelling on the lone loss of his professional career. Instead, he believes the setback made him a better fighter. Now, he says the lessons he learned have him better prepared than ever for the biggest opportunity of his career.
“Defeats are good because it helps us get better. I had a good camp for this fight,” he said.
“I believe I’ve made the necessary adjustments to fight my mistakes from the last fight and emerge victorious this time.”
Del Valle promised fans they won’t have to wait long for the action to begin when he meets Elkins. The Cuban expects a war and plans to take control from the start.
“You’re going to see an aggressive fighter who will enter the cage, find the middle of the octagon, impose my will,” he said.
“It’s kill or be killed.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Yadier del Valle above. He faces Darren Elkins at UFC Vegas 120 on Saturday night.
