Ben Nguyen has re-signed with the UFC following a clinical unanimous decision victory against Geane Herrera at UFC Melbourne in November last year.
The Brisbane based American admitted to feeling the heat prior to his last bout knowing that it was his final fight contracted to the promotion. Nguyen told Bloody Elbow that he was essentially fighting for his career.
“I really wanted to make a statement, and I felt like I was fighting to keep my job,” Nguyen said.
Despite the uncertainty around the UFC owners and the offer that might be made following his win, Nguyen said that negotiations went ‘pretty smoothly’ thanks to his new manager Jason House from Iridium Sports Agency.
Nguyen agreed to a new four-fight deal and is happy to be staying with MMA’s number one promotion despite many other free agents testing their worth in the market place last year.
“I stuck with the UFC — I always wanted to be with the UFC. Everyone knows what the UFC is. I felt like staying with the UFC was the right call,” Nguyen told Bloody Elbow.
With one less thing to worry about Nguyen can now focus firmly on training and preparation for his next fight.
“I just feel like my next fight is going to be a lot more relaxed, I can finally loosen up a little bit, and kind of have fun,” he said. “I’m on the cusp of fighter stress, at the top, and I’m working my way down where my stress levels are lower.”
