'Hopefully, Chito whoops his...': Top UFC Bantamweight fighter gives blunt take on Sean O'Malley

This week at the UFC Fight Night, a huge Bantamweight encounter is scheduled to take place between Chris Gutierrez and Song Yadong. Both fighters carry an all-round prowess in the field of MMA, and hence it is expected to be an intriguing headliner fight.

Fighter in focus

Ahead of the fight night, republicworld.com got in touch with one of the protagonists of the event- Chris Gutierrez and posed certain queries in front of him. Gutierrez addressed every question and laid out his thoughts on main eventing his first-ever UFC event. He also shed light on his opponent Song Yadong, and made it known that he is cutting out a focused figure for Saturday. Aside from that he also bluntly expressed his views on the Sean O'Malley vs Marlon Vera rematch.

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Excerpts

Q. Firstly, this would be your first main event fight in UFC. How does it feel to highlight a fight night?

It's amazing. It's a dream come true for anyone who is trying to do Mixed Martial Arts. I always looked at like a Guatemalan, half Columbian, fighter to ever headline a UFC event. I think it sends a beautiful message to all the little kids from different places of the world, that you can achieve great things by committing to it.

Q. What are your thoughts on fighting Song Yadong?

It is a tough challenge but you know that's why we are in the sport for.

Q. You have replaced injured Petr Yan at the event. So, this opponent was kind of handed to you. Were you looking to fight someone else or Song comes as the ideal challenge, considering the jump in the rankings?

I was looking at the Rob Font fight . That's what I was originally looking at and three weeks later after I fought, this opportunity came up because Petr Yan got hurt. So, then I stepped up.

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Q. As per betting odds, he is a heavy favourite. Does this add to the pressure or come as motivation?

Motivation. I've been an underdog in every fight. So, to me, it does not make any difference.

Q. If everything happens as per your plan and you get the job done this Saturday. Then who would you want to fight next, give us a name?

I don't know, I am not thinking about that. I got to think about Song this Saturday. That's where my focus is at.

Q. The current champion in the Bantamweight division- Sean O'Malley- is seen as the new superstar of UFC. Do you agree with this? What are your thoughts on O'Malley vs Chito Vera rematch?

I mean I have no say in it, he is the champ. We kind of all just have to deal with it. Hopefully, Chito whoops his a**. 

*Watch UFC Fight Night: Song vs Gutierrez on 10th December 2023 from 8:30 AM onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu).