Just days out from his anticipated preliminary fight on the UFC 188 card, Albert Tumenov found himself without an opponent in Mexico City. After being forced to handle a late replacement for his original opponent, Tumenov simply focused on himself and his own preparation.
In the end, however, the stars did not align for Tumenov, as his opponent fainted and was taken to hospital following during his weight cut down from middleweight. The news was disappointing for Tumenov, who was uncertain about his opponent’s sincerity.
“I’m extremely disappointed,” Tumenov told BloodyElbow.com after the cancelation. “I am in the best shape of my life and 100% ready to destroy anyone the UFC puts in my path. Sick, healthy, injured or not, I’m sure my opponents have all known that too, and if I fought Todhunter, the fight would have looked like a rerun of my fight with Lapsley. I have been asking for Top 10/Top 15 opponents and I know I can deliver. I am only getting better- and stronger – every day.”
With his failed bout now firmly behind him, Tumenov used the opportunity to suggest a potential opponent for his next Octagon outing. He particularly pushed for a significant step up in competition.
“I would really love to face the winner of Rick Story vs Erick Silva next. That’d be a sight for everyone to see, for sure; but any Top 10 fighter would work. Because I’m only 23, maybe some people still doubt my skills, but they are wrong. You see, I’ve still got something to prove.”
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