- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
UFC light-heavyweight Anthony “The Hippo” Perosh will likely be considered an underdog in his upcoming fight against Ryan “Darth” Bader. And that’s fine by him.
“In all five of my [UFC] matches at light-heavyweight, I’ve been the underdog for every single one,” Perosh explains, “so it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Perosh will face off with Bader on the undercard of UFC Fight Night: Hunt versus Bigfoot on December 7 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
In Perosh’s last fight, his opponent Vinny Magalhaes dismissed the Aussie and said that the UFC should release him if Perosh were to win.
Following Perosh’s upset 14-second knockout victory, Magalhaes was sent packing.
Perosh now turns his attention to the former Division 1 collegiate wrestler.
“Ryan has been a top 10 fighter for the last two or three years,” Perosh said. “This is my chance to prove to everyone that I belong in the top 10.
“He’s got big knockout power in his right hand and left hook and he’s got a good double-leg takedown. That’s what I’ll be working for: avoid his strengths and use my strengths.
“I’m no slouch in the wrestling department either, you know,” , Perosh replied when asked if Bader’s wrestling background gave the American an advantage. “In every single one of my wins, except for the last one, I’ve taken a guy down. I’ve got a good wrestling base now with a good wrestling coach and training partners. “
In addition to his improved wrestling, Perosh has held a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for over a decade. “If he takes me down and gets on top, I think it’s 50/50. But when I get on top of him, I’ll have a big advantage.”
At 41 years old, Perosh is looking to cement himself among the UFC’s elite.
So where would a victory over Bader place him?
“If it doesn’t put me in the top 10, then probably just outside of it,” Perosh speculated. “I completely campaign to fight a top 10 fighter.
“This will put me just outside of it, then I’d be on a good roll to campaign to fight a true top 10 fighter.”
Let’s get ready to rumble! Pick a fighter and place your bets with PlayUp for great odds. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.