Dan Ige sees UFC 308 struggle vs. Lerone Murphy as reward for answering short-notice name

ABU DHABI – Dan Ige shuts down the notion that he ought to have been awarded a much bigger struggle at UFC 308.

Ige (18-8 MMA, 10-7 UFC) faces Lerone Murphy (14-0-1 MMA, 6-0-1 UFC) on Saturday’s principal card at Etihad Enviornment (pay-per-view, ESPN+).

Ige is coming off a short-notice loss to Diego Lopes at UFC 303 in June, the place he stepped in on simply 4 hours’ discover. Ige was promised a spot on UFC 306, however that didn’t pan out. As a substitute, he attracts undefeated Murphy, however Ige sees many perks in that struggle.

“I perceive the angle, however I see this as a reward,” Ige advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 308 media day. “I get to struggle a man above me within the rankings. Sure, he’s undefeated, he’s been examined in opposition to worthy contenders, however it comes all the way down to self-belief.

“Perception in myself and my staff. I imagine we have now the sport plan to beat him, and that’s the fantastic thing about this sport. Something can occur in MMA so, I’m going to look to go on the market and be the primary individual to beat Lerone Murphy, and I really imagine I might accomplish that.”

Ige charges Murphy’s abilities extremely, however thinks one main factor separates them.

“I imagine we’re fairly related in numerous methods so far as our skills to struggle out of each stances,” Ige stated. “He’s a bit longer, a bit extra methodical along with his actions, and his feints. I positively imagine there’s a fairly large energy differential.

“I’m not going to go on the market and look to solely land large energy photographs, however I believe you’ll see that distinction within the struggle. Once I hit him vs. when he hits me. It’s going to be an important struggle, I can’t wait to go on the market and take a look at myself in opposition to a man like Lerone.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 308.