VIDEO: Anthony Romero fighting with chip on his shoulder at LFA 96
Undefeated Anthony Romero looks to capitalize on another opportunity for a UFC contract when he competes in the co-main event this Friday at LFA 96.
Originally slated to face Alex Trinidad (5-2), the Canadian will now take on 17-fight veteran Zach Juusola instead. Despite the switch up in opponent, Romero says preparations have primarily remained the same.
“Just difference in height and a little bit of different style, but both are southpaw,” Romero told The Scrap. “My new opponent, like 6’1, and my older opponent was like 5’8. So a little bit different in height. And then my other opponent was more of a wrestler. For this guy, he’s well rounded. So a little bit of a switch-up, but my whole camp is dedicated to myself and just getting better every day. And if there is a switch up, like exactly what happened, and I’m ready either way.”
Romero (8-0) defeated Mike Breeden by a decision on DWCS in August and while the 23-year-old picked up a decisive victory, it wasn’t enough to secure a UFC contract. Romero carries a bit of a chip on his shoulder from that experience and will use that as motivation in Friday’s matchup.
“Everyone’s been super supportive,” Romero said. “And I still feel like I have a chip on my shoulder. Like I have a lot to prove. I know I’m still young, but I have a lot to give to this, this sport, and it just gives you more time to develop and get better for that, that big stage. And I want to make sure that when I get there that I’m truly ready, and I’ve been tested. So this is just another fight on my resume. The goal is to win and impressively get a finish would be a bonus. But I’m not really going to look to Switch up my style or anything like that. I’m just gonna be myself and the performance again.”
Juusola (11-6) heads into the matchup off a three-fight skid, most recently losing to UFC lightweight Tristan Connelly at Final Fight Championship 36 in May 2019. The 33-year-old did however pick up a second-round TKO victory in bare-knuckle boxing at BKFC 8: in Oct. 2019.
“The Genius” knows what’s at stake on Friday and regardless of getting a UFC contract or now, a win here would lead to bigger and better opportunities going forward.
“I can see a finish happening,” Romero explained. “But if I have to take the deep waters and go 15 minutes. I’m willing to prove that I can do that again. But I’m not looking to force it. Because I feel like when you force things … it’s a train wreck. So looking for opportunities. If it’s there, I’ll take it, if it’s not, I’m going to win either way.”
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The Scrap
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The Scrap
The Scrap is a combat sports news hub dedicated to bringing you creative MMA, Pro Wrestling, Bare Knuckle, and Boxing content. We choose highlight the indie and regional scenes as passionately as the big leagues. Aside from exclusives on our Patreon account, we also provide video content on our YouTube channel ranging from interviews to highlighting current events.
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