LAS VEGAS — Victor Altamirano is riding the UFC on ESPN 45 with the momentum of a winning streak and the confidence he’s instilled in fighting ranked opposition in what will be his fourth bout with the promotion.
On Saturday at UFC Apex, Altamirano (12-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) faces former UFC flyweight contender Tim Elliott (18-12-1 MMA, 7-10 UFC) on the main card.
Fighting someone who holds a number in the official UFC rankings is a pleasure for Altamirano, who is fully confident that he is on the right path to move up the ladder.
“There is no risk without reward,” Altamirano told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a news conference Wednesday. “There is no glory without challenge. If that’s what we’re aiming for, if that’s what we want, then we have to be able to do the things that are required to do that.
“Taking (a step) in the rank, getting into combat with higher-ranked opponents, this is what is required for us to grow. This is what is required for us to move up the ladder and achieve what we want. We want glory. We want a legacy. We want heroism. So if I say I want it , I better show it with my words and my actions.”
Elliott, 36, challenged then-champion Demetrius Johnson to 125lbs at the TUF Final 24 in December 2016. Despite being defeated by unanimous decision, Elliott doubled his fan base with his gritty show and fighting antics.
Since then, Elliott has earned its reputation as one of the most intricate mysteries to discover. His unconventional movement and strikes are not repeated. But for Altamirano, the challenges Elliott presents are the same as those for all of his opponents.
“It’s all about the rhythm,” said Altamirano. “It’s really impossible to say that I’m going to predict this technique and I’m going to predict this kind of movement. It’s very hard to be able to predict exactly what someone is going to do.
“The most important part of understanding a fight is understanding the rhythm. When are they going to do something? If you can anticipate when, your skills will take care of the rest and walk you through the skills required to defend a certain style. All you have to do is make sure you are in tune and ready to win.”
If he wins, Altamirano does not know where he will land in the rankings. He set his sights on one goal and that was to be the champion.
“We’re going for pole position,” said Altamirano. “That’s the ultimate goal. That’s why we fight. That’s why we took Tim Elliott on short half-time. That’s why we took him two weeks after my fight. That’s why, because we want to make sure we get to the top.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie Events Center for UFC on ESPN 45.
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