It may not be taking place in the UFC, but it’s a UFC-level fight for Jared Revel.
Canada’s Revel (10-2) will take on Brazil’s Sergio Moraes (14-6-1) in a middleweight bout at Taura MMA 10 on Friday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Taking on a long-time UFC veteran in Moraes, Revel, 36, said he views it as a big opportunity, and a chance to see what level he’s at in his career.
“This is a huge opportunity for me to challenge myself against that top-tier kind of opponent,” said Revel in an interview with MMA Empire.
“I’m excited for this opportunity, I’m going to put on a show, and will be looking to take him out.”
After a 14-fight UFC career in which he compiled a record of 8-5-1, this will be Moraes’ first fight since being released from the promotion.
Prior to this fight, Revel’s toughest challenge was The Ultimate Fighter contestant Collin Hart, a bout he won via majority decision at BFL 61.
Revel said this big step up in competition is his chance to prove he can compete with the best fighters in the world.
“It’s just going to prove I’m on that world-class level, I can perform at a high level, and execute,” said Revel.
“That’s my whole game-plan; I like to execute, I like finishes, and I want to prove I can do it against some of the best.”
Revel with plenty of time to prepare
For several years, Revel was the co-owner of Revolution Martial Arts in Langley, B.C.
Prior to this training camp, Revel said he made the decision to sell the gym so he could focus more on his career as a fighter.
“I decided this was an opportunity for me to focus solely on my professional fighting career and as an athlete,” said Revel.
“All I’m doing is focusing on fighting; I don’t have to worry about teaching a bunch of classes. It’s been amazing.”
Revel’s last time in the cage was at BFL 65 where he submitted Drayton Angus in the first round to defend his BFL middleweight title.
In the lead up to that fight, Revel said he realized the process of preparing for a fight, including the weight cut, continues to feel easier for him, which is a big confidence boost.
“The overall process of everything has just become a lot more comfortable for me. I’ve got a pretty good routine on how I carry things out and how I make my weight. I’m not putting a lot of stress on my body,” said Revel.
“Each fight it just seems to get easier and easier for me in the build up, and the confidence I have in myself just keeps growing every day.”
Revel’s Shoutouts
“I’d like to give a shoutout to all the gyms I train at and all the teams, all my sponsors, and Iridium Sports Agency.” Follow Revel on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
