Paul Redmond is promising fireworks for Saturday’s featherweight showdown with Robert Whiteford at UFC Fight Night Glasgow.
The Irish lightweight boasts dangerous toe-holds, gaining three of his 10 victories by that means, whereas Whiteford is a judo black belt with forthright takedowns.
“It’s going to be good,” said Redmond. “He’s a good judo player, good on the ground, and he’s been training with American Top Team in Florida so he’ll be well prepared. But every fight starts standing so I’m looking to go anywhere the fight goes.
“The two of us are well able on the ground. If he sees something he’ll take it and if I see something I’ll take it. Toe-holds aren’t something you can prepare for; if you see it you just have to go for it and give it one hundred per cent.”
Of course, Redmond will be looking to bounce back from his UFC debut defeat to Mirsad Bektic, a January clash the Dublin star took on short notice.
“When I got to the media day I still had 22 pounds to drop so by the time fight night came around I just had nothing left to give. We trained to get all the weight off which didn’t happen so I really wasn’t thinking about the bout itself during the build-up.
“I wouldn’t take away Bektic’s win though because he’s an excellent wrestler. Even though it didn’t go my way it still gives me the confidence that I can hang in there with the best.
By Alistair Hendrie
