Will Chad Anheliger finally deliver a statement win in Canada?
Chad Anheliger has fought four times within the UFC, but this Canadian card signifies his first ever bout on one of their stages. After his final victory and signing a new deal, he was finally able to exhale, shedding any pre-bout stress. Now with the opportunity to fight Cody Gibson at UFC Edmonton, he feels confident in his abilities and excited for this new chapter. Anheliger knows Gibson is a top bantamweight contender, but believes his own speed and precision will be the key factor.
“I know he doesn’t have a stellar record in the UFC but he’s absolutely one of the tougher guys in the division,” Anheliger said. “We both are coming off big wins, this is a step up and I’m looking forward to making the most of it… I match up well, I got great speed and footwork, and he’s a bigger guy, which he uses his advantage. But, I have a lot of speed and timing and that will overcome his advantages. I’ve proven it time and time again – these guys think they can strike with me and they change their mind. I defend the takedown and then they are in no man’s land, which is what I expect to do to Cody.”
Anheliger believes that Gibson’s size will be a major advantage, but he feels confident about his speed and timing being the deciding factor in this fight. He doesn’t just want a win, he wants a knockout victory – something he believes will solidify his place among the best in the division.
“Stoppage loss number two in the UFC,” Anheliger said. “I’m as sharp as I’ve ever been. I hit well, my confidence is sky-high, and getting this new contract is a big weight off my shoulders… really building my confidence and I’m as dangerous as I’ve ever been and I’ll run through Cody.”
“There are still so many great fights that I’m not worried about rankings. I want to get the best matchups out there that people care about.”