Lone’er Kavanagh has high ambitions for his UFC run, but he’s definitely on the right track to make those bold dreams become a reality.
Kavanagh (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) pulled off an upset win over former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in the main event of UFC Fight Night 268, 7,349 feet above sea level in Mexico City, Moreno’s home turf. Kavanagh took the fight on three weeks’ notice replacing Asu Alambayev.
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“I can’t put into words what I’m feeling right now,” Kavanagh told UFC.com backstage. “I’m grateful to God, grateful to my team, grateful to the UFC. I’m blessed.”
On top of having many things stacked against him, thus entering the fight as an underdog, Kavanagh wasn’t also coming off an ideal situation. Back in August, in his last bout prior to Mexico City, Kavanagh suffered his first defeat, losing by KO to Charles Johnson.
“Sometimes you just have to say f*ck the fear and do it,” Kavanagh said. “Believe in yourself, believe in the people behind you and let the rest write itself.”
Kavanagh had a definitive showing, defeating Moreno 49-6 and 48-47 on the judges’ scorecards. Although he did the most damage, and seemed largely in control of the bout, it was still a difficult task to face the former champion.
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“With Brandon, you have to stay switched on the whole time,” Kavanagh said. “He’s dangerous. He’s a tough person. So I had to stay switched on the whole time, even toward the end. I had to double check. I’m very critical about myself and I’m very grateful.”
As far as what’s next, Kavanagh refrained from calling out any specific name. He does however, have high ambitions for what he wants to achieve in the UFC.
“I want to become champ within the first two years of being in the UFC, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Lone’er Kavanagh sets goal to become champ before two-year UFC mark
