Yohan Lainesse (8-0) anticipates landing another spectacular knockout on Gabe Green (10-3) this Saturday in a welterweight matchup at UFC on ESPN 35.
The Quebec native secured his UFC contract last November with a first-round stoppage of Justin Burlinson at The Contender Series. After months of anticipation, he's finally ready to step onto the octagon.
However, the 29-year-old doesn't consider this weekend's card his true debut. He sees it more as a continuation of his UFC journey.
"I'm pumped about it, but I don't really see it as my debut because my Contender Series appearance was essentially my real UFC debut," Lainesse told MMA Empire.
"The same crowd, Dana and the matchmakers were there, and I performed well. I'm eager to show off what I've got once more."
Lainesse walks into the fight against Green with complete certainty that he'll not only defeat his opponent but do so with another early knockout.
He's banking on his reach advantage and refined technique overwhelming Green, ultimately setting up the finishing blow.
"I've spent plenty of time studying film on him. He applies heavy pressure and switches stances frequently. He carries serious power, but he's susceptible to getting tagged—and when I land on someone, they crumble," Lainesse explained.
"I'm extremely confident in my abilities both standing and on the mat. He tends to put himself in poor positions, and if he does that against me, the price will be steep. I don't anticipate this going beyond the second round. If I don't finish him in round one, I'll catch him with a knockout in round two."
A decisive victory would demonstrate to Lainesse that his Contender Series triumph wasn't a one-time occurrence and that he belongs among welterweights to keep an eye on. He's also eager to build momentum quickly and establish his reputation.
"It would be incredible. I want a massive debut performance. I want to prove the Contender Series knockout wasn't luck. I'd be thrilled if it goes down like that," Lainesse said.
"I'd love to fight every three to four months, so a quick finish followed by a fast turnaround would be ideal."
You can follow Lainesse on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
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