“Gifted” Gabe Green isn’t one to shout from the rooftops, but the American exuded a quiet confidence ahead of his UFC 276 bout with Ian Garry.
Undefeated former Cage Warriors welterweight champion Garry has attracted a lot of attention since making his way into the UFC. But Green, who in his last outing handed the previously undefeated former CFFC champion Yohan Lainesse his first defeat via TKO, said he’s ready to push the pace and give Garry all he can handle on fight night.
Speaking to reporters at media day ahead of the event, Green said that he was “definitely a step up” in opposition for the Irishman, and that he would make sure he brings the fight to his opponent.
“I always bring the fight,” he explained.
“Some people don’t bring it, but the one thing you can guarantee when you sign a contract with my name on it, is you’re going to be in a fight.”
Green, who also said the judges would likely not be required for the matchup on Saturday night, even suggested that Garry will switch from striker to wrestler once he gets a taste of his punch power.
“I don’t see it going the distance,” he said.
“I really think he’s going to shoot on me, because it hurts when you get punched by me! I’m definitely a step up compared to the other guys (Garry has faced).”
Green revealed that his team even suggested he call out Garry after his win over Lainesse, and was somewhat amused at Garry’s name being the one on the bout agreement he eventually received from the UFC.
His assessment of Garry was that he is talented, but that he may be a little too confident heading into their clash at T-Mobile Arena this weekend.
“I think he’s a little big-headed and overlooking people he probably shouldn’t be overlooking,” he said, before addressing a comment from his opponent that suggested that Garry himself would be the only “Gifted” one in the cage on Saturday night.
“That’s funny,” he responded with a smile.
“Because I’m gonna gift him an L.”
