Chad Anheliger (10-5) was well aware the UFC had him on their watch list heading into last year's Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) appearance—a bid that ultimately didn't materialize.
A visa snafu caused that bout to fall apart, and afterward Anheliger was slated to put his Rise FC bantamweight title on the line. But a COVID-19 diagnosis knocked that card out too. Afterward, he says the intention was to get back into the cage soon, but before long he got word he'd be fighting on Week 2 of DWCS on Sept. 7.
"I had an opportunity last year on the Contender Series, like everything was done, opponent, date, but I couldn't get my visa and my opponent ended up getting a short-notice UFC fight," Anheliger told MMA Empire.
"I knew I was on their radar, so I'm glad I'm getting my shot now."
The 34-year-old from Consort, Alta. is set to face Muin Gafurov (17-3), who had originally been brought into the UFC back in 2019—only for ONE Championship to block the move and force him to honor his existing commitment.
Gafurov has clashed with serious competition such as John Lineker, yet Anheliger feels he holds the edge over the Tajikistan-born competitor and figures he'll close it out with a knockout.
"He has some high-profile fights and he's as tough as it comes on the show. I wanted the toughest guy and that is what they gave me. I'm here to prove I belong. It is a great matchup for the fans and for me," Anheliger noted.
"I plan to show the levels of striking between us and I will knock him out."
Even though Anheliger anticipates a finish, he insists the DWCS spotlight won't rattle him.
Rather, he feels his approach is tailor-made for the Contender Series and he's confident he can deliver enough to land a UFC roster spot.
"I am kind of lucky as my fighting style, naturally, is what the UFC wants. They want hungry guys who are looking for the finish and to put on damage. That is my natural style," Anheliger said.
"There isn't much pressure as I will fight how I always fight and secure that contract. I'm ready for the big show, and everything that comes with being a UFC fighter."
Should Anheliger pull off the knockout and walk away with a UFC offer, the Canadian was upfront about wanting to step into the Octagon sooner rather than later this year.
He also indicated he'd welcome facing elite competition immediately, acknowledging he's 34 and understands this is his moment to carve out a career in the UFC.
"Absolutely, I will make my UFC debut later this year. I'm ready to fight the top guys right now, so once I smash Muin I want another fight right away," Anheliger wrapped up.
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