A former PFL champion with a reputation for suffocating pressure and finishing instincts, Delija now has the chance to make an statement at the UFC APEX against Cortes-Acosta.

“I need to be very careful because of his strong knockout power. He’s 120 kilograms so I don’t think I should get very close to him,” Delija told reporters on Wednesday.

“I really practiced a lot with my coach, I do believe that I’m a better fighter, and that I will win. I’m going to focus on staying strong on my feet.”

Delija (26-6) trains alongside UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall’s second title defense ended in disappointment after an accidental eye poke forced the fight to be ruled a no-contest, a result that drew heavy criticism from some fans for his decision not to continue.

“I think he did a great job with not continuing, and if more fighters do the same thing, I think we can prevent the same thing from happening again,” he said.

“More fighters should do the same thing, and more fighters should be punished for behaving that way. I had 33 fights and I never poked somebody in the eye. The punishment for (committing fouls) should be severe.”

“I am not 100% sure what (it is), but he still doesn’t have eyesight in one of his eyes. Still not fully recovered,” he said.

“In my opinion Tom is a better fighter in general, and I did see that in that fight as well,” said Delija.

“I believe he’s going to win definitely in the next fight.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Ante Delija above. He faces Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC Vegas 110 on Saturday night.

The post Ante Delija Expects Violence against Cortes-Acosta, Defends Aspinall Over No-Contest Controversy appeared first on Cageside Press.

Kicking off this UFC Vegas 110 edition of TTP is our interview with UFC featherweight, Isaac Dulgarian. Dulgarian is fresh off of being the biggest favorite in the history of the UFC. After being installed as a -2500 favorite, he talks about the pressure that came along with it. After delivering as we thought he would, he moves on to UFC Vegas 110 for an encore performance. He’s not nearly as big of a favorite against Yadier del Valle, but he’s looking to put the same kind of stamp on the fight.

Fights, Dogs and Parlays: UFC Vegas 110 (12:22)

The UFC heads back to their home inside of the Apex for UFC Vegas 110. The card is headlined by Steve Garcia looking to make it seven-straight. He’ll face David Onama, who has a massive win streak of his own that he’d like to continue. The co-main event features a pair of heavyweights. Both Ante Delija and Waldo Cortes-Acosta will look to take big steps forward in the division. We’ll break down those fights as well as some of our other favorite fights on the main card. Plus, as always, we’re hitting you with an underdog and a plus-money parlay that we think will make your wallet fat this weekend. For this segment, all odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Shamar Williams Interview (18:20)

Closing out this UFC Vegas 110 edition of TTP is our interview with APFC bamtamweight, Shamar Williams. Williams talks about his origins in the sport of MMA. From watching Anderson Silva on Spike TV with his dad to now – he’s always had a love for the sport. After getting involved in wrestling and then finding Minnesota Combat Academy, he’s in the perfect situation to make a run to the big show. The next step towards that ultimate goal is at Anthony Pettis FC 20 this Sunday.

The post TTP Ep. 504: Isaac Dulgarian, Shamar Williams, and UFC Vegas 110 appeared first on Cageside Press.