A victorious Ovince St-Preux (photo via UFC/ZUFFA)

By FCF Staff

Although Ovince St. Preux is set to compete, in what most would say, is the biggest fight of his life Saturday, the light-heavyweight believes opponent Ryan Bader is shouldering far more pressure.

The two will throw down in the headliner for UFC Fight Night 47 tomorrow, and “OSP” says he’s ready for the intense spotlight that comes with it.

“No, I don’t feel added pressure,” St. Preux relayed on FOX Sports 1’s “UFC Tonight” recently, while discussing the fact this is his first UFC main event. “To be honest, I feel there’s more pressure on Bader than me. I’m a newcomer; he’s been around for a minute.”

OSP has been booked for a headlining spot, and a bout with a contender like Bader, thanks to a five fight win streak. Since arriving in the UFC last year, St. Preux has scored victories over Gian Villante, Cody Donovan, Nikita Krylov and Ryan Jimmo. The win over Donovan was via knockout, and the latter two were by submission.

The victories have quickly moved OSP into the #10 ranking slot, and the fighter doesn’t intend on stopping there.

“It’ll move me up in the 205 rankings,” St. Preux said on “UFC Tonight”, when asked what a victory over Bader will provide. “I’m at least two fights away from the title and that’s what I’m shooting for. In my mind, I won the fight. It ain’t going to be easy, but it ain’t going to be hard.”

“Athletically, the sky’s the limit for Saint Preux,” UFC commentator and former fighter Brian Stann noted about OSP. “He’s a fast learner. He had a hard time finding a gym where he’s not the best guy in it. When he does things that are wrong, he still succeeds because he’s that kind of an athlete.”

Bader continues to remain a presence at 205, evidenced in his recent wins over Anthony Perosh and Rafael Cavalcante, but OSP is clearly pretty confident heading into the bout.

“I think he’s overrated,” St. Preux argued. “Nothing personal against Anthony Perosh, but I would have put him to sleep.”

St. Preux’s comments understandably didn’t sit well with Bader, who currently holds down the #8 ranking in the division.

“Wow, he’s in for a rude awakening,” Bader countered on “UFC Tonight”.  “He hasn’t fought people of my level. He hasn’t fought anyone in the top 10. I’m going to welcome him in that level and it’s going to be a bad night for him and a long night.

UFC FN 47 will be hosted by the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.

Other main card bouts include Ross Pearson vs. Gray Maynard, Tim Boetsch vs. Brad Tavares, Seth Baczynski vs. Alan Jouban and Shawn Jordan vs. Jack May.