Filipino-American UFC fighter Phillipe Nover (18-6-1) has experienced a lot of ups and downs in his mixed martial arts journey. After stringing together a four-fight winning streak capped by a split decision win against Yui Chul Nam in Manila, the 32-year-old was on the other end of a split decision seven months later against Zubaira Tukhugov in Las Vegas, Nevada.
But then an opportunity that he could not refuse was presented to him.
“My manager did some work. I haven’t had a fight since I last lost in Vegas last year,” Nover told Eddie Mercado of Bloody Elbow. “I think it was in December. It was a tough fight for me and a tough loss. I kept training and wanted a big name.”
Nover is scheduled to face the biggest name he has ever fought in his entire career, squaring off against former UFC Bantamweight kingpin Renan Barao (33-4-1) on Sunday, September 25 (Philippine time), for UFC Fight Night 95.
For Nover, who is also a registered nurse, he believes that the Brazilian is an excellent bantamweight but is not cut out for the UFC’s featherweight division.
“He’s the best in the world at what he does… What’s crazy is I’m a fan of his too before this,” he added. “I think he might have some issues in the 145 division dealing with a guy like Jeremy Stephens, who I think is not that big of a 45’er. I think I’m bigger than Jeremy.”
“I think Barao is really a 135’er and he just doesn’t want to cut the weight, which is fine, so he’s going to fight a bigger guy who is longer and taller and stronger and that’s going to be me.”
The Newark, New Jersey native is hoping that he comes out healthy after the bout so he can at least be a spectator once the UFC Fight Night Manila 2 rolls around.
“I love fighting. I take things piece by piece though,” he shared.
“If all goes well and I get out healthy, I’d love to fight in Manila again.
“I mean we’ll see. I have high hopes for everything and I am working hard towards those goals,” he said.
