NEW YORK – John Castaneda doesn’t typically call people out, but he has his eye on one particular bantamweight.
Castaneda (21-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) continued his rise up the 135-pound ranks when he defeated Kyung Ho Kang by unanimous decision this past Saturday at UFC 295.
Hoping for an active 2024, Castaneda thinks Adrian Yanez (16-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC) would make for an entertaining next fight.
“I want to have at least three fights next year, minimum,” Castaneda told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I won four out of my last (five) fights. I feel like I’m at least due for – put me in the conversation for a top-15 guy. I’m always analyzing the top 15 guys, especially 10 through to 15.
“Stylistically, I feel like I match up well against them, a lot of them. I’m not one to call people out, but if I were to call somebody out, I really, really would love a fight with Adrian Yanez. Not because it’s like a disrespect thing, but stylistically I think we can put on a banger. Absolutely.”
After a hot start to his octagon tenure with five straight wins, four by knockout, Yanez has dropped two straight by TKO – most recently by leg kicks against Jonathan Martinez at UFC Fight Night 230 this past October.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.
