Warlley Alves Thinks He’ll Get UFC Title Soon

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Warlley Alves (10-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) said he thinks it’s only a matter of time before he gets a title shot in the UFC. He will fight Bryan Barberena (11-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC 198 tomorrow night on PPV from the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil. Here are highlights:

On getting a spot on the main card: “It was a dream of mine to fight on the same card as Anderson Silva. We train together, and I like him so much. He’s a champ – he’s done things no one else has. I’m sad that he had to leave, but I’m very happy to be on the main card. Someone had to move up. Thankfully it was me. Barberena is a tough guy – he has a tough chin and can take a punch. But we’re here to put him to the test. I did my part. I’m at my best right now. I’m well-trained, injury-free. I’m gonna go in there and give it my best. Barberena will have to do his best, and we’ll see how it goes.”

On becoming champion: “Maybe no one else believes that yet, but I will be UFC champion. It’s a matter of time, not a matter of luck. It’s a matter of time.”

On his decision win over Alan Jouban: “I think that’s something that is going to follow me until the end of my career – everyone always talks about it. I had injured my rib one week prior to that fight, so when he kicked me in the first round, I was in a lot of pain. I think it’s clear from my other performances that I can go three rounds. I’m ready to fight anyone, for however long. That setback just made me want to work harder to show everyone why I’m here: to be champion, which is what I’ll do.”