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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson

Mike Breeden says staph infection led to weight miss, hopes for new contract after UFC 294 upset of Anshul Jubli

ABU DHABI – Mike Breeden beat Anshul Jubli with a third-round knockout Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Take a look inside the fight with Breeden, who was down two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards when he rallied for the win.

Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli

Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli, UFC 294 (Craig Kidwell–USA TODAY Sports)

Result: Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 3:00
Updated records: Breeden (11-6 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Jubli (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Key stats: Breeden was down two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards when he rallied for the win, which was his first in the UFC.

Breeden on the fight's key moment

Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli, UFC 294 (Craig Kidwell–USA TODAY Sports)

“That’s just me. If you go watch my local fights, I’m a little bit of a slow starter. I’ve got to get my reads. I figure out their timing, what their main combinations are, and then I just start building. And usually by the end of two (rounds), they know they’re in for it.

“The minute I started talking to him and pointing at him and pointing my finger down (and barking), that’s the sh*t I live for, man. Sorry about the words, but I’m here to entertain. That’s why I belong in the UFC, so I hope I get a (new contract). I had a rocky start, but look at the guys that I fought. I’m about that life, so keep me. Let’s get a re-sign.”

Breeden on his weight miss

Mike Breeden

“(The weight miss was because of) the travel over here, and I got a staph infection. So I was on antibiotics, and it was rough. Those last few pounds, I was still taking my antibiotics to try to get rid of my staph infection. So I apologize – no excuses for missing weight. There’s no excuse. I just did the best I could and controlled what I could control.”

Breeden on what he wants next

Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli, UFC 294 (Craig Kidwell–USA TODAY Sports)

“I would like to get back in there ASAP and get a (new contract) – December, January. I like to be active. I want to be that guy they can depend on and jump on last-minute cards and fight big names or newcomers. It doesn’t matter – I’ll fight anybody. I just love to fight.”

To hear more from Breeden, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

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