MEXICO CITY – Cristian Quinonez has a rebound on his mind, and what better place to do it than in front of a friendly crowd?
Eight months ago, Quinonez had a five-fight winning streak snapped when Kyung Ho Kang tapped him with a rear-naked choke. It was a reality check for the Mexican fighter, who got his first look at the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series.
Quinonez (18-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) said the loss made him take a closer look at things, and he hopes the adjustments have him ready for another tough bantamweight test when he takes on Raoni Barcelos (17-75 MMA, 6-4 UFC) on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 237 (ESPN+) at Mexico City Arena.
“When you’re a fighter and you lose, it’s hard to (look) back. But I’m doing my best and I’m really happy because I really think a loss is the way you learn the most. Of course I’m ready. It was a good moment to change my fighting style a little.”
Quinonez said his older brother Jose “El Teco” was instrumental in helping him prepare, as well. Jose fought on “TUF: Latin America 1” and went on to a 5-4 record in the UFC.
“It’s always an advantage to have a brother who is a fighter,” Quinonez said. “We can change the little things we want to change in each fight. I’m really proud of my brother. I’m learning a lot from him. I know I’m going to make him proud Saturday.”
Check out Quinonez’s full media day interview in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 237.
