“I’m going to fly to America for a couple months,” Ian was quoted as saying by the Archangel Michael club press office. “It’s important for me to get away from home so that there are no distractions at all. The guys I know don’t have American visas, and I need to get along with the team there ahead of time”
The Russian also spoke about his opponent, China’s Song Yadong, with whom he will share the octagon on March 9 at UFC 299 in Miami.
“I don’t know much about him – I’ve seen his last three fights. You can see he’s a striking, collected, athletic athlete with a strong punch. I had a clear desire – I wanted to compete in that tournament, where the championship fight in our weight class will be held, at UFC 299”
According to the former UFC champion, his main motivation at the moment is the financial well-being of his family.
“I realize that the sports career is not so long, but life ahead is long. And I have nothing to hide – I’m here to earn my bread.”
The main event of UFC 299 will be a featherweight title fight between the division’s reigning champion, Sean O’Malley, and the challenger for his belt, Marlon Vera.