HE’S STILL WAITING on details of his next fight from the UFC, but Cathal Pendred says he’s ready to go at the drop of a hat.
Pendred picked up his third consecutive UFC win in Boston just over two weeks ago, but the Irish welterweight is eager to return to action as soon as possible.
The 27-year-old is hoping to feature on the UFC’s first ever event in Poland, which is set for Krakow on 11 April. But if an opportunity arises before then, he’ll jump at it.
With eleven UFC welterweight bouts scheduled to take place between now and the end of next month, Pendred told The42 today that he’s willing to step in to fill the void if there are any withdrawals.
“There’s loads of fights coming up and I’m already back in training, so I’m going to stay on my diet and stay ready,” said Pendred, who’s currently tipping the scales at around 190lbs.
“If anyone pulls out I’ll put my name in the hat straight away. Even if it’s a top-15 opponent, I’ll be ready to go. I’d be ready to fight next week if necessary.”
Pendred isn’t sure where, when or against whom he’ll fight next, but he’s open to the possibility of a rematch with Sean Spencer, the US fighter he overcame last month in Boston.
Spencer felt hard done by, following what was a controversial unanimous-decision defeat, and has been campaigning for a chance to make amends at UFC 185 in Dallas on 14 March.
“I’d really relish that opportunity, one hundred percent,” said Pendred. “He’s asked for it to be in Texas, his home state, and I’d gladly do that. I’d have no issues with that. I’m game if it’s a possibility.”
The Dubliner has also confirmed his interest in welcoming Phil ‘CM Punk’ Brooks to the UFC, with the former WWE superstar set to make his debut in the Octagon later this year.
Pendred said: “I’m a competitor, so first and foremost I want to fight the best guys. But there’s a business side to my brain too, so I also do things for business reasons in my professional career.
“Taking that fight would be one of those times where I’d take my competitive side out of things and just do something for business reasons. That’s a big fight for anyone in the UFC.
“To be honest, I didn’t even know who he was at first, but I’ve seen since that he’s massive in America and a big deal. You have a short career in the fight business so you have to get the most out of it and make a name for yourself while you can. It’s a massive opportunity and I’d take it in a heartbeat.”
