Self-confidence is definitely there for Phillipe Nover ahead of UFC Fight Night 95.
The 32-year-old Nover will take on former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao in Brazil on Saturday night in the co-main event. After returning to the UFC last year with defeating Yui Chul Nam, the former Ultimate Fighter runner-up was defeated by Zubaira Tukhugov in December.
No matter all that, as Nover (11-6-1) sees himself putting an early night to the work of Barao.
“I believe I’m gonna get a finish, I don’t wanna go to the judges, because I think it’s always a risk,” he said. “So I will need to finish or be pretty dominant.”
Nover’s first UFC run ended in 2010 after three consecutive losses, but he went 5-2 away from the promotion and earned another shot. He owns five submission wins to his credit and is a former Ring of Combat lightweight champion.
“I see this as the biggest opportunity of my career,” he said. “Fighting a former World Champion, with so many accomplishments, will be a true test for me and I believe that I shine best when the odds are against me. So I think this will raise me up to where I need to be in the division.”
