Scott Holtzman Planning Big Things For 2016

Scott Holtzman spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with Drew Dober at UFC 195. Check out the highlights:

On taking the short-notice fight: “Some guys try to protect their record, but I’m trying to cut the line. When they come at me with short-notice fights or an opportunity to step up, I’m taking them. I was already kind of in training camp. I knew I wanted a short-notice fight and I was just waiting for one. Once I got the call I just turned it up another notch. Sometimes those really long training camps wear down the body and things like that. I’m feeling good and I’m excited for it.”

On Dober’s UFC career potentially being on the line: “He’s going to be the hungriest he’s ever been. His back is against the wall, so that’s the most dangerous a fighter can be. I think he’s a better fighter than what his record shows. He’s taken a couple short-notice fights too but the guy is always in shape. He comes forward so I’m expecting the fight of my life, for sure.”

On hius win over Anthony Christodoulou at UFC Fight Night 73: “A lot of people said I should have finished (Christodoulou) quicker, but for me to get two-and-a-half rounds of ring time in the UFC after being out for over a a year, it was huge. I would have liked to finish him on the feet, but any time you can get that ring time and a finish in the UFC, it’s a big deal. I’m going to try to finish (Dober) and I’m sure he’s going to try to finish it as well, but he’s usually in great shape and has a chin. It’s a tough matchup stylistically, but discipline is going to win the fight, and I’m definitely expecting the fight of my life.”

On his hopes for 2016: “The lightweight division is the toughest in the world; if there’s an opportunity to hit one of these mid-tier guys with more experience and higher in the rankings, I want to take it. I train with the best guys in the world. I’m at The MMA Lab every day with Benson Henderson and I know where I stand. If I get the opportunity to take out on those guys who is more established, I have to jump on it.”