JARED PAPAZIAN IS READY TO DO SOME DAMAGE VS. DUSTIN PAGUE

Opposing Views

June 8 2012

Although Armenian-American fighter Jared Papazian did not come out
with a win against Mike Easton in his UFC debut back in January of
this year, you certainly can’t blame it on Octagon jitters. After
a three-round war that made a strong case for Fight of the Night
honors, Papazian fell short, as judges scored it for “The Hulk”
with a majority decision.

While “The Jackhammer” is a relative newcomer to the promotion,
Papazian turned pro in 2008 and has had plenty of experience in the
ring, as the former King of the Cage Bantamweight titleholder, he is
2-1 in title fights.

“Some people haven’t even done five fives ever, even in training
preparing for a fight. I’ve done it three times in live fights,
and every time I’ve done it, I’ve gotten better at it.

“I have a lot of cage experience, a lot of ring time, and I think
that played a factor (in my Octagon debut). Some people come in
‘oh my God, it’s the big show, I’ve never fought on a big stage like
this before,’ and they freak out and they freeze. I do the complete
opposite. When I fought in the smaller shows, I didn’t want to make
a mistake because I wanted to get to the UFC. Now I’m in the UFC,
so I don’t have to feel pressure. Now I can just have fun.”

Along the same vein, fans shouldn’t expect Papazian to alter his
fighting style to a more conservative and technical approach in an
attempt to extend his run in the Octagon.

“When I was in smaller shows, I pretty much got Fight of the Night
every single time if they had a bonus. That’s what I do – I come
to fight. I don’t lay and pray, and if you want to compare me to a
fighter, I have the same philosophy as (UFC Featherweight) Leonard
Garcia when it comes to style in the 135-pound division. That’s how
I would see myself. He always brings it, and I’m the same way… I’m
a fighter at heart, and I just like to fight; I don’t like to run
around.”

The California-based fighter Papazian takes on TUF vet, Dustin Pague
this Friday, June 8 at UFC on FX in a bantamweight tilt on the prelims
on Fuel TV, with coverage starting at 6 PM EST.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress