Kyle Daukaus expects to finally get his flowers with UFC Freedom 250 win
· Yahoo Sports
WASHINGTON – Kyle Daukaus finds himself on the biggest stage of his career.
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While the spotlight will remain squarely on opponent Bo Nickal for the time being, Daukaus (17-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) hopes it finally starts to creep his way if he wins Sunday at UFC Freedom 250. The event takes place at the White House.
"Obviously, you figured he was going to be on the card," Daukaus told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Thursday. "You really didn't know who he was going to get off the card. I feel like they're trying to test him against me to see how well he does, and it's my job to go out there Sunday and prove they're kind of wrong about him. All this stuff is noise to me. It's not anything personal or whatever. Sunday night when the cage door closes, it's just me and him in there. He has the support of them outside, but that doesn't really bother me at all."
Daukaus is in his second stint with the UFC. After a 3-3 first one, Daukaus went 3-0 on the regional scene for CFFC in order to earn a short-notice return opportunity in August. He finished Michel Pereira with strikes in 43 seconds and then returned to submit Gerald Meerschaert by submission in 50 seconds. A combined 93 seconds was needed to take out two middle-of-the-pack veterans.
If against Nickal he makes it 3-for-3, Daukaus hopes viewers and the promotion start believing in him, as he believes in himself.
"I think I'll get my appreciation off the win," Daukaus said. "I'm a talented guy. I know I'm very talented. I have the capability to go out there and win. I have stackable proof behind me right now that shows I started out 9-0. I'm on a six-fight winning streak right now. I think I'm very respected in the sport. Am I overlooked? I feel like because I'm fighting Bo and because Bo had a bunch of clout, kind of. But again, I don't take it personally or anything like that. I'm just going out there to perform for myself and make sure I get the job done on Sunday night. After that, I'll potentially have a number next to my name."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC White House: Kyle Daukaus expects to finally get flowers with win