Zak Ottow Says He’s Spent His Whole Career Getting Ready for UFC Fight Night 96

Zak Ottow spoke with MMAjunkie about making his debut for the UFC against Josh Burkman at UFC Fight Night 96 this weekend. The highlights are below:

On a not getting called for other short-notice fights: “My fingers are crossed and I’m hoping for the call to come in and for it to be mine, but it just wasn’t. So I’ve already been through the process a little bit.”

On getting called for his fight with Josh Burkman: “We were on our way back from lunch, and my manager said, ‘Hey, would you be willing to fight in Portland for the UFC in two weeks?’ Before I even knew who it was, I said, ‘Hell yes.’”

On being ready to prove himself in the fight: “Ever since I had my first amateur fight, my whole career has been getting me ready for this moment.”

On Burkman’s skills: “In this one, you find 9s and 10s, and maybe a few 8s. So that window is going to be smaller, but it’s going to be there. I just have to find it and exploit it.”