Lightweight fighter Chris Padilla, who holds a 3-0 record in the UFC, is set to return to action this Saturday at UFC Vegas 111. He will face Ismael Bonfim on the main card after several months away from competition.
Since March, Padilla has been waiting patiently to step back into the octagon. He clarified that no injuries kept him sidelined, but rather organizational delays. Speaking at UFC Vegas 111 media day, Padilla said,
“Everything was fine on my side. It’s just, the powers that be had to do their job, and here I am to do my job. I’m very grateful for them, and here I am.”
When asked if opponents might be avoiding him, Padilla responded firmly that he’s not the one making such claims, but emphasized the inevitability of meeting challengers.
“Everyone’s got to see me one day, again, just like today. If there is someone running, if I see your name come up, it’s time to eat.”
Coming off a split decision win over Jai Herbert—despite suffering a severe eye injury in that fight—Padilla demonstrated his readiness to sacrifice and endure hardship in pursuit of greatness.
“One of my mottos is ‘pain is power.’ And sometimes the Gods demand blood. It’s going to be mine or theirs. I think that’s a fair wager for the opportunity to be great.”
He added,
“If I have to pay in blood, I will, by any means man. The only way they’ll stop me is if they stop me.”
Chris Padilla is eager to return to the UFC cage, showing resilience and determination to overcome any obstacle to achieve greatness.