“I have faced three or four undefeated fighters in my career, and so far I have been undefeated against undefeated fighters,” he said. “You don’t forget your first defeat, and I love being the guy to give them this first defeat. I’m really looking forward to this challenge.”
It was a short trip into the spotlight, to be sure. But Madden quickly highlights Hubbard’s work ethic in the gym, not to mention the business he keeps.
“Outside of his learning curve – he learns very fast and always adds stuff to his game – he trains daily with Justin Gaethje and Drew Dober; two of the best guys in this division right now, as well as Cory Sandhagen and a host of other guys. The level of guys around Austin makes him a better athlete. In the light weight division, where she’s so stacked, you really have to find a way to stand out, and that’s his opportunity to do so. “
“I don’t think it’s going to be pressure for him at all,” agrees Neil Magny, yet another esteemed training partner who also shares the card with him on Saturday in Las Vegas. “Especially seeing the things he has overcome lately in the gymnasium and in his own personal life. I think at this point it’s just going to be a walk in the park. I am super proud of Austin. “
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