Yancy Medeiros on Joining Bellator, Fighting in Hawaii, Nate Diaz and More

Yancy Medeiros talks about his training camp for his upcoming fight at Bellator 279 on April 23rd.

Yancy Medeiros starts a new path in this MMA career. After eight years with the UFC, Medeiros and the organization parted ways last year. The split may have been a blessing in disguise for Medeiros, who will now get a chance to fight on his native island of Hawaii after years of not fighting at home. The new promotion that brings him to his family and friends is Bellator MMA.

Medeiros sat down for a chat with FanSided to discuss his upcoming fight at Bellator 279 and fighting in front of the home crowd.

“I just wanted the fight, I haven’t done it in so long. Other promotions, the UFC, we’re always pushing, we’re always pushing, how can you bring it home? explained Medeirus. “Not about the money, it was about giving back and showing appreciation. I told everyone that I bought some tickets just so I can give back to the people who have been there for me and also helped me since I started this career. I really want to put on a show for you guys and just support them like they supported me. So try to come full circle. And I’m very happy that it’s happening.”

When it was announced that Medeiros would be added to this Hammaiian Bellator card, there was one man who wanted to join him. His friend, Nate Diaz. Diaz publicly asked the UFC to release him so he could join Medeiros on the Hawaii card. Medeiros laughed when asked about this step by his good friend.

“Boy, he just gives me influence. I think the UFC just wasn’t negotiated with him. He just jumps off and gives me some influence at the same time,” he said. “To get people talking. I definitely think it got the attention of the UFC. And you know, things are better for that, things are being made good for Nate now. But he made some noise. He makes noise because he knows his worth and helps me at the same time. He’s definitely a brother to me and he’s always been there for me the best he can and I’ve tried to return the favor.”

Medeiros’ recent fights were not to his liking. He ended his UFC run on a four-fight losing streak. Medeiros has accepted the losses and walks away from them. Although he’s only signed a one-fight deal with Bellator at this point, he doesn’t rule out further action with them and maybe a title run. But for now, he just wants to put on a good performance and entertain the home crowd.

“I don’t apologize. I think a lot of fighters are so prone to injury when we fight that we learn to work around those things,” he explained. “I think I have a number of injuries that have hampered my performance from my footwork to my head movement. I guess for me I’m just the athlete type and competitors don’t complain but we will reach the top of the mountain don’t worry I may not be the first but I will get to the top. So I think for me it’s really about addressing and working on a lot of my bad habits that have developed from injuries over the years. So I really need to focus on healing my injuries. As hard as I train, I think the biggest thing I changed with this camp is that I recovered harder.”

Bellator 279 crashes April 23 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. Medeiros will face Emmanuel Sanchez in the preliminary part of the fight map.