Kyle Bochniak (photo via Twitter / @UFC_CA)

By FCF Staff

Although Kyle Bochniak is scheduled to face a man who has a ton of hype behind him at UFC 223, the featherweight insists Zabit Magomedsharipov is in for a tough night.

Magomedsharipov has turned heads since he arrived in the UFC last year, by submitting both Mike Santiago and Sheymon Moraes to move his overall record to 14-1. But, while talking about his upcoming fight with the rising Russian, Bochniak said this (quotes via UFC.com):

“I was honored to do it,” said Bochniak. “I knew about five top 15 guys turned this fight down. I don’t know why, but I look at it like I want to fight tough guys. No risk, no glory. I want it to be a tough fight and I want everybody to doubt me, so when I beat him, it feels that much more rewarding.”

“I always feel like my back’s against the walL. I feel like a lot of people think I’m gonna lay down for this kid and I’m a stepping stone for him and a sacrificial lamb. It’s not like that at all. I think this is an opportunity for me to showcase to the world my true potential. And even if I had the belt and five, ten title defenses, I would still feel the same way, like I had to prove something to myself.”

The American Bochniak (8-2), meanwhile, is coming off a decision win over Brandon Davis, and is 2-2 in the UFC to date.

UFC 223 will be hosted by Brooklyn, New York on April 7th.