ABU DHABI – Darren Till believes that another championship opportunity is in the near future.
The UFC middleweight contender wants to fight for the title if he is victorious in the UFC on ESPN 14. Even (18-2-1 MMA, 6-2-1 UFC) faces former champion Robert Whittaker in the main act of the undercard, which goes on Saturday at Flash Forum Yas Island and airs on ESPN.
Although Till has only recorded one fight in the middleweight division, the 27-year-old believes that wins over Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum, in addition to his work at welterweight, should do the job.
“If I beat Robert Whittaker on Saturday night, the only way to do it is for the title,” Till told reporters, including MMA Junkie, Tuesday on the UFC on ESPN 14 media day. “A lot of people say, ‘ Well, he’s only had two fights, ‘but look at my two fights. This is why you shouldn’t turn down fights for every young fighter, or every fighter in the UFC. You have to take these big risks because they will be worth it.
“I didn’t ask for a title shot after beating Stephen Thompson in Liverpool because I didn’t feel like I deserved it. But if I beat Robert Whittaker on Saturday, which is a great question and a great mountain to climb, the only fight for me is (Israel) Adesanya, but he and (Paulo) Costa are scheduled to fight. The only fight for me is a title fight.
“I beat Whittaker on Saturday and the only name I want to hear come out of people’s mouths is Adesanya. That’s all I want to hear. “
Reigning champion Adesanya has his second title defense in reserve as he faces Brazil’s Coast at UFC 253 on September 19. Until you know there are other contenders in the mix as well, like Jared Cannonier, but he doesn’t want to “look back” AND fight anyone other than the starter.
He even plans to be prepared, too, because he has the feeling that Adesanya vs. Costa could not even reach a good port.
“The biggest fight it seems, and the fight everyone wants to see after this fight if I win against Whittaker, is Adesanya,” said Till. “I have said that I think Adesanya-Costa is 50-50. I’m leaning towards Adesanya a little bit because I think in terms of technical skill he has a little more. But the reason I say it’s 50-50 is because it’s a dogfight: technique versus brute force.
“Costa can do all five rounds. He has the hands to do it, he can take a hit, so for me it’s 50-50. The fight has been built so much between me and Adesanya, that’s why I say that, but I could be wrong. … Until I see the two boys in the balance, I don’t think the fight will happen in September. I will be ready for September. I think there will be a retreat. “
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