‘Friends before and after?’ – Brad Riddell ready to make money against Rafael Fiziev at UFC Vegas 44

The coaching relationship in MMA can get complicated. While it’s certainly an individual sport, most boxers find themselves working under something closer to a dynamic team on a daily basis. Often, the necessary training requirements require athletes to band together, under the direction of many of the same coaches, sometimes to the point of even helping each other in direct combat preparation. next.

And while the world of combat sports is big enough to keep coaching partners from having to go head-to-head in the fray, things get a lot tighter when it drops to the UFC and the top-ranked fighters. their head.

That’s the problem the UFC’s lightweight ranking and former partners Brad Riddell and Rafael Fiziev have faced – as they prepare to face each other this coming Saturday, December 4, at UFC Vegas 44 : Fonts vs. Aldo.

What appeared to be a violent clash certainly also seemed like a showdown that might never have happened, given the close and historical friendship between the two men. However, in a recent interview with Sub stationRiddell revealed that both he and Fiziev felt that joining the duel would not hinder their friendship.

“I just texted him and just said they sent me his name on a contract and I haven’t signed it, and just let me know when you’re free to call,” Riddell revealed, talking about the offer. UFC’s offer to join. Fiziev. “And I left a training session. He texted me that he was free, so I called him and we just chatted. And I’m just saying that there’s no one willing to fight but him.

“Like, me and him it seems like for some reason he and I are the only two in the top 15 ready to fight this year. If not, we have to wait, or we have to fight someone who isn’t ranked. And you know, obviously a lot of work to get into the rankings. And I don’t want to wait either, because I like the money in my bank too. I love fighting, and so does he. So we just did, like I said, man, friends before and after? And he goes, yes, make money. And he said, don’t get hurt in the fight camp, which I haven’t had, that’s fine. And yes, that’s it. “

And while the two men have completely gone head-to-head before, Riddell doesn’t seem to think their history will be a major factor inside the Octagon. Especially since it seems like it’s been quite a while since they actually met during training.

“Not necessarily. It’s like four or five years ago,” Riddell replied, when asked if he thought their previous games were a factor. “He has changed a lot since then, and I have changed a lot. I barely did MMA back then, so I changed the whole thing. But I certainly don’t think I’ll rely on those mind games too much. You change in six months, three months in this sport. Like, it’s growing so fast, you can’t rely on some crap from four years ago. ”

“I feel we are very similar. Like, we’re very even everywhere. I don’t think either of us outperforms the other significantly in any aspect of the sport. So I think it’s going to be a very interesting, balanced fight. I’ll guess who shows up in the night”

“From memory, it is clear that he is difficult to beat. Although he doesn’t wrestle much in the UFC, he is a very good wrestler. He’s got some pretty good submissions up his sleeve and stuff like that. It’s hard to say, because I’m not going to talk nonsense about my mate, but it’s going to be a pretty epic fight. Like, I think just as excited as everyone else, they have a good reason to be. ”

Ultimately, while Riddell knows that fans expect an independence war (and he even expects the war to end in the distance), he’s prepared for the fight to take place anywhere. where. After all, while the high-octane violence may be great for fans, the most important thing for him is to go away with a win inside the Octagon.

“I think everyone wanted it to be like a bloodbath,” admitted Riddell. “Like, three rounds just standing there can collide well with each other. But I mean, it can go anywhere. Like, at the end of the day you have to win. Like, that’s the goal. You have to win, otherwise you won’t progress.

“I don’t really believe that if you lose and for example Chandler’s fight. He is very happy with the way it has gone. But in my opinion and in my opinion, if I lose, no matter how interesting the fight is, it’s just, it’s too detrimental to your career. Like, I’m in this sport to prove I’m the best, and losing doesn’t help me in my argument. So I will win at any cost. If I knock him down and he can’t get up, I’ll keep knocking them down.”

UFC Vegas 44 takes place this Saturday, at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, NV. The tag is expected to feature a bantamweight top contender duel between former featherweight champion Jose Aldo and Team Sityodtong talent Rob Font. Riddell vs. Fiziev is scheduled for the co-main event.