Lorenz Larkin has fought 10 times inside the Octagon, but no bout was bigger than his most recent at UFC 202 in the eyes of many.
Just not Larkin.
The former Strikeforce competitor bruised and battered Neil Magny before stopping the Top-10 welterweight and improving to 5-5 in the UFC and 18-5 overall.
“Going into the fight, I had no pressure on me,” Larkin told reporters following the event. “I was halfway in shape and I just had to have a little mock camp to get myself fully prepared.
“I felt he had more pressure on him than I did. I’m not known. I’m not ranked.”
The 29-year-old Larkin is now 4-1 over his last five after surviving a three-fight losing skid in 2014. That includes finishes of Magny, Santiago Ponzinibbio and John Howard, along with a split decision in his favor vs. Jorge Masvidal.
Prior to signing with the UFC, Larkin was 13-0 with one no-contest to start his career, including a 2012 decision over former UFC champion Robbie Lawler.
