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Wednesday, Dec 09, 2015

TUF 22 Finale: Mike Pierce is “Going Right For The Top”, After Spending Two Years on The Sidelines

Mike Pierce

By FCF Staff

Mike Pierce will step into the Octagon for the first time in over two years on Friday night, and the rugged wrestler is eager to score a win and get back into the title shot mix.

The welterweight hasn’t fought since October, 2013, when Pierce was submitted by Rousimar Palhares with a heel hook. The latter didn’t immediately release the technique, was barred by the UFC as a result, and Pierce had to undergo surgery. Then Pierce was expected to fight Demian Maia last May, but a broken hand forced him to withdraw.

Recently Pierce spoke with UFC.com, in advance of his fight this Friday with Ryan LaFlare at the TUF 22 Finale. While discussing his hopes for the bout and moving forward, Pierce stated:

“GSP (Georges St-Pierre) leaving left a lot of openings for people,” Pierce said. “Johny Hendricks had the title for a short while, then Robbie Lawler got it and he obviously had a giant war with Rory MacDonald. But there are lot of places for guys to rise to the top here. All those guys are pretty much neck and neck. There’s not one feared guy like ‘oh, that’s the guy. He’s the Anderson Silva of the welterweight division.’ I think there’s a lot of opportunity to be the better person on a particular night.”

“I’m going right for the top,” he laughs. “That’s where I’m heading. I want to get this fight over and done with and end it as quickly as possible and then start looking to get back to where I know I need to be.”

Prior to Pierce’s loss to Palhares the Oregon fighter had won four straight bouts. The 35 year-old is 9-4 in UFC action to date.

posted by FCF Staff @ 8:00 am
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