Zak Ottow Discusses Winning His UFC Debut Against Josh Burkman

UFC fighter Zak Ottow spoke to MMAjunkie after his win over Josh Burkman on the main card of UFC Fight Night 96. The fight marked Ottow’s UFC debut. He won the fight by split decision. Below are some highlights from the interview.

Zak Ottow on not getting to the UFC sooner: “I feel like if I had gotten here any sooner in my career, I wouldn’t have been ready for the moment. I really think everything I’ve done so far, just the stars were aligned for me to get a win against such a tough dude like Burkman. (I came) out and got that decision win against a savvy guy who has been in the sport longer than I’ve even known what MMA is.”

On fighting on the main card: “It was kind of an eery sense of calmness. I really felt like – I don’t know if it was the preparation that I knew I was going to be here one day, but I really felt comfortable once I got in there, and it wasn’t nerve-racking by the crowd or the cameras. I really felt at home and just was able to go out there and let it out, let it flow. I feel like it was a little bit more of a chess match. We were both switching stances a lot. Very similar styles. Normally I finish guys, but he was too tough to finish.”

Ottow on what’s next for him: “I’m going to go back to the drawing board, get a little better. One percent better every day. Then see what the UFC and see what my managers have for me in the future. But I can’t wait for the next one.”