Dan Ige sees Murphy as a reward after short-notice combat at UFC 303

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

Ige (18-8 MMA, 10-7 UFC) faces Lerone Murphy (14-0-1 MMA, 6-0-1 UFC) on Saturday’s essential 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 an alternative, he attracts undefeated Murphy, however Ige sees many perks in that combat.

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

“Perception in myself and my crew. I consider now we have the sport plan to beat him, and that’s the great 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 consider I might accomplish that.”

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

“I consider we’re fairly related in a number of methods so far as our talents to combat out of each stances,” Ige stated. “He’s a little bit longer, a little bit extra methodical along with his actions, and his feints. I undoubtedly consider there’s a fairly large energy differential.

“I’m not going to go on the market and look to solely land massive energy photographs, however I feel you’ll see that distinction within the combat. After I hit him vs. when he hits me. It’s going to be an amazing combat, 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.