LAS VEGAS – Viacheslav Borshchev isn’t in the dark about his situation ahead of UFC Fight Night 224, but he doesn’t let that dampen his spirits.
Borshchev (6-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is in a positive mood ahead of Saturday’s lightweight bout with Hayiser Maheshate (7-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), which is taking place at UFC Apex and streaming on ESPN+.
After opening his UFC tenure in January 2022 with a first-round knockout victory, Borshchev has since lost back-to-back fights. He’s now in the final battle of his first contract with the promotion, and knows he needs to perform to extend his stay.
“If you talk about the commercial part, yes, I have to win,” Borschoff told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 224. “It’s clear because I need a new contract. I want to earn more money. I need a bonus. It sounds reasonable. But it’s not pressure for me. I’m enjoying my life now.”
Borschoff’s previous two defeats to Mike Davis and Mark Diakis were the product of inferior wrestling and defensiveness. He was eliminated 20 times in the two matches, giving more than 20 minutes of control time to his opponents than the 30 minutes possible overall.
UFC Fight Night 224 will mark the 31-year-old’s 10th professional fight, who crossed over to MMA from the world of kickboxing. He admits it was a tough adjustment on the biggest stage the sport has to offer, but Borschoff is enjoying his ride rather than getting frustrated by difficult moments.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s cool,” Borchev said. “Not many people have such a sweet opportunity. I learn from the best right away. It’s kind of cool. I’m enjoying it.”
“In kickboxing, that’s what happened to me. I stopped getting excited about new things. But in MMA it’s always something new, and it’s so cool. Even in punching it’s something new.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie Event Center for UFC Fight Night 224.