Augusto Mendes will be taking on top 15 ranked bantamweight Aljamain Sterling at UFC On Fox 24.
The fighter believes that a win over Sterling will help him realize his potentially huge future in the UFC.
“I actually don’t feel that comfortable,” Mendes told MMA Junkie. “Considering the plan I have for myself, I want to win. I can’t slack off, thinking it’s OK if I lose. I want to win. I want to finish the year among the top five. Depending on how I win, maybe even fight for the title. I’m not comfortable. I want to prove I can beat these guys so I can advance in the promotion.”
Mendes will be looking to pick up his second win under the UFC banner. UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt is the only fighter to defeat Mendes since he turned pro, and Mendes sees a path to fight him again.
“I don’t know, depending on who I fight, and if I have a good performance,” Mendes said. “Say I’m able to submit Sterling, and then maybe I get another top-five (opponent) and perform well, and win well, I believe I might have a shot. We’ll see. Especially since the only guy who beat me is the current champ.”
UFC On Fox 24 takes place on Saturday, April 15 from the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri with Demetrious Johnson and Wilson Reis headlining. Fightful will be providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
