Former UFC featherweight title challenger Ricardo Lamas will look to end the first two-fight losing skid of his career later tonight (Sat., Nov. 17, 2018) at UFC Fight Night 140 live on FOX Sports 1 from inside Parque Roca Arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he takes on proven contender Darren Elkins in the co-main event.
It is a big spot for Lamas to say the least. The 36-year-old veteran has been featured atop UFC cards on numerous occasions, but there is an added sense of urgency for this one. If “Bully” is unable to get past Elkins it would result in three straight losses and a potential fall out of the top 15.
Luckily, Lamas is well-prepared for Elkins. He understands that “Damage” is going to be a difficult opponent to deal with, but Lamas also feels confident wherever the fight may go.
“I feel like I have an advantage everywhere,” said Lamas in a recent interview with UFC.com. “I feel like I’m faster, more explosive. I feel like I have better jiu-jitsu. I know he’s tough, I know he’s durable, and I prepared for that. I know this isn’t going to be a walk-through fight. I’m ready for a war.”
While Lamas and Elkins are going to try to take each other out in tonight’s co-main event, they were actually training partners back in the day. It was a long time ago and Lamas doesn’t believe it will play a major factor in the fight, but the two featherweights still shared the mat together in a setting that often reveals heart, the will to win, and overall physical limitations.
“Not really. It was so long ago,” said Lamas when asked if previous training sessions with Elkins could effect the fight. “I know both of our styles have changed since then, so I’m taking this fight as if I’ve never seen this guy or trained with him before.”
As a former champion who had his two-fight win streak snapped by a Josh Emmett knockout punch followed by a split decision loss to Mirsad Bektic, Lamas needs a win this weekend in Buenos Aires to stay afloat at 145 pounds. The confident veteran may not reveal his need for redemption, but it’s the biggest storyline heading into his co-main event clash with Elkins.
“I mean, nobody likes to be on the losing train [laughs],” Lamas said. “But no, I take everything in stride. This fight is no different than any other fight I’ve had. I’m not putting any extra pressure on myself to get this win and get back in the win column. I just put in all the work that I possibly could. I’m going to perform well on fight night, and if I do that, I’ll be happy regardless of what the outcome is.”
A victory over Elkins later tonight at UFC Argentina will position Lamas nicely heading into 2019. If Lamas is somehow able to finish the ultra-durable Elkins then it could push him even further back up the featherweight ladder as he attempts one last UFC title run.
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