Charles Jourdain has a good chance of knocking on the door of the UFC's top 15 featherweight in his next duel. The Quebec fighter has agreed to face the dangerous Shane Burgos at UFC 276 which will take place on July 2 in Las Vegas.
As of this writing, Jourdain is awaiting the American's official response. On the other hand, there is no question for him to remain with his arms crossed.
"It's quite an opportunity. I train as if the fight was on track, Charles Jourdain told the Journal when he left training. He [Burgos] said he might need a little more time to prepare."
"For my part, I'm sick as a dog and I'm still preparing for the big fight of my career. I always had something during my camps and, as always, I will find a way out of it."
"I'm not going to say no to the biggest opportunity of my career. »
At 26 years old, he would be the youngest fighter of this select club at 145 lbs. All other athletes in this top 15 are 30 or older. It would be quite a tour de force.
“Several veterans have said that getting to the top 15 today is much more impressive than in other eras of mixed martial arts. »
A difficult customer
This proposal did not surprise the fighter. His convincing win over Lando Vannata impressed UFC executives. He had won it with a guillotine on the first assault.
"I thought this victory would propel me to the gates of the top 15, but this is a place in the top 15 that will be at stake, said Jourdain".
"Burgos is ranked 14th and I consider him among the most violent athletes in my division along with Max Holloway. By winning against Shane, it would allow me to put my stamp on the best in the world."
“People are going to know who I am after this. »
According to UFC internal rankings, Jourdain is ranked 19th. His last two victories have helped him gain credibility and notoriety within the American organization.
"I couldn't have climbed the ranks so quickly if it wasn't for my personality and my fighting style," explained the Quebecer. They understood that I can be a very salesman”.
"It's a duel that's good for me, for Burgos and for the fans. Everyone wins. »
A click
Since joining the UFC, Jourdain has been through ups and downs. If some of his performances lacked luster, he was smoking in others.
His victories against Andre Ewell and Lando Vannata left no one indifferent.
"After my heartbreaking loss to Julian Erosa, something clicked in my head. Losing by decision is something that happens. The referee saved my life. If I had been caught in the same position in another place, I could have died. I got scared and panicked."
"It lit a fire inside of me and you've seen it in my last two performances. It's much better mentally and physically."
"Against Vannata, it was the most stressed time of my career, but it was my easiest win of my career. I'm the only one who's stopped him before the limit since Tony Ferguson. »
