LOS ANGELES – Adam Borics finally has his face on a poster, his image placed across from Bellator featherweight champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.
At Bellator 286, Borics (18-1 MMA, 9-1 BMMA) will challenge for the first time for the promotion’s strap in a five-round main event bout in Long Beach, Calif.
“I don’t put extra pressure on myself,” Borics told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “I just try to enjoy the whole process.”
Seemingly unfazed by the change of environment, Borics likes his odds against one of the most prominent fighters in Bellator history. Freire (33-5 MMA, 21-5 BMMA) has become a title mainstay. In his career to date, he lost the title twice – but both times rebounded. While Borics has respect for “Pitbull,” he thinks he’ll be the third man to dethrone the Bellator staple.
“Yeah, definitely. He changed a lot. In the beginning of his career, he was a different fighter (than) right now. But I understand. I was very different five years ago. We just get better always. I think the time is working for me, because I’m getting better every day. Maybe, he’s like 35 or something. Everybody knows he’s at the end of his career. … He’s a great fighter. He’s well-rounded. I really respect him. He’s been a great champion, but this is my time now.”
The longer, younger fighter of the two, Borics thinks the matchup vs. Freire is favorable. He described how his most recent few camps have served as a working recipe, which he’ll replicate Saturday.
If it plays out the way Borics expects, his priority won’t be to buy new cars or unnecessary accessories. Instead, Borics continues to picture the joy that would come with bringing the belt to Hungary, his home country.
“I never would spend my money on some bullsh*t watch or something,” Borics said. “I’m not that kind of guy. I’m from a village of 2,000 people, so I’m a very simple guy. I’m going to help my family. I’m not that guy.
“… (The title) means a lot. I really want to do that, for the whole country. They are super excited and I just want to make them happy. … It’s a very, very big deal. Every news paper, every TV is talking about me right now.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 286.
