Khama Worthy expects normally enjoyable combat vs. Luis Pena

Khama Deserving remained affected individual above the past eight months, but it was challenging.

Soon after proving the bookmakers erroneous with a first-spherical knockout of Devonte Smith in his UFC debut in August 2019, Deserving (15-6 MMA, 1- UFC) was hoping to combat all over again in November. When November alternatives passed, Deserving hoped for December – however no offers.

Eventually, Worthy was booked to battle Ottman Azaitar. When Azaitar fell off the card thanks to COVID-19-induced journey restrictions, he was then matched up with Michael Johnson. That fight also under no circumstances took location. COVID-19 considerations prompted the party to be postponed.

“It’s surely been challenging, but there’s not definitely substantially you can do,” Deserving advised MMA Junkie on Monday. “Everyone was truly in the similar circumstance. … I needed to battle in December. I needed to combat in November, December, January, and February.”

About two-and-a-50 % weeks back, Worthy eventually gained an additional bout offer, which he approved – a struggle in opposition to Luis Pena at UFC on ESPN 12.

Worthy explained he’s viewed all of his opponent’s UFC and The Supreme Fighter bouts, so he’s no stranger to Pena (8-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) and what he brings to the table. Simply place, Deserving is a fan.

“I’ve watched pretty much all of his fights,” Worthy said. “I actually like him. He’s a great fighter. I like the way that he fights and things. I have watched all of his fights in the UFC. I viewed him on The Supreme Fighter and things. I was definitely on the lookout ahead (to it) when they available it. I advised my manager, I’m like, ‘That’s a tricky a single.’ He’s a tall southpaw. Which is not some thing you’re really applied to. I do have a primary instruction associate. He’s a tall southpaw. … That functions in my favor, luckily.”

Coming into Saturday’s struggle, Deserving isn’t putting any tension on himself to carry out. Deserving indicated he does not come to feel like he can force an remarkable combat. If he does not overthink it, the exhilaration really should come naturally, provided the pairing.

“I’m just permitting (expletive) transpire,” Worthy explained. “… If we go out there, you’re likely to get a superior battle. Sometimes, with the Israel Adesanya and (Yoel) Romero combat, folks put so a lot (strain) on fights if they’re not as ridiculous as they consider they (should be). Individuals are like, ‘Oh this (expletive) sucks.’ Like, persons booed my last struggle. Like, that is how (expletive) supporters are. You know what I necessarily mean?”

Even though pleasure isn’t on his head, Deserving reported he’s concentrating on undertaking every little thing that will make him the greatest edition of himself feasible. Gain or drop, Deserving explained he’ll share a drink with Pena publish-fight.

“I know I’m going to try to demonstrate the greatest Khama Worthy exhibits up,” Worthy mentioned. “I know he’s going to consider to make certain the very best Luis reveals up. We’re going to (expletive) throw down. It’s heading to be exciting. We’ll sit down and get a consume afterward.”

UFC on ESPN 12 requires position Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.