Lightweight fighter Chris Padilla, who is set to face Ismael Bonfim at UFC Vegas 111, is eager to get back in the octagon after a hiatus since March. Padilla holds a 3-0 record in the UFC and has been waiting patiently for his next fight.
Padilla emphasized that no injuries were preventing his return; it was simply procedural delays. He said during the UFC Vegas 111 media day,
“Everything was fine on my side. It’s just, the powers that be had to do their job, and here I am to do my job. I’m very grateful for them, and here I am.”
When asked if opponents were avoiding him, Padilla clarified that he doesn’t claim that himself but made his intentions clear:
“Everyone’s got to see me one day, again, just like today. If there is someone running, if I see your name come up, it’s time to eat.”
Padilla comes into this fight after a split decision victory over Jai Herbert, during which he sustained a serious eye injury but continued to fight. He highlighted his willingness to sacrifice for greatness:
“One of my mottos is ‘pain is power.’ And sometimes the Gods demand blood. It’s going to be mine or theirs. I think that’s a fair wager for the opportunity to be great.”
He added,
“If I have to pay in blood, I will, by any means man. The only way they’ll stop me is if they stop me.”
Chris Padilla is determined to prove himself back in the UFC cage, ready to face any challenge with relentless grit and a fearless mindset.