TAMPA, Fla. – Daniel Marcos views his return at UFC on ESPN 63 as a chance to secure a spot in the UFC official bantamweight rankings.
“Soncora,” an undefeated fighter from Peru, is set to face Adrian Yanez, perhaps the most notable opponent in his career to date. This important bantamweight matchup is featured on the main card of UFC Tampa. Marcos (16-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) acknowledges Yanez (17-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) as a skilled adversary but anticipates defeating him impressively to establish his status among the top fighters at 135 pounds.
“He’s a very tough rival,” Marcos told MMA Junkie in Spanish. He noted that nearing the top 15 and being in the top 20 of the division means facing strong opponents. However, Marcos feels well-prepared both spiritually and physically, asserting that Yanez stands no chance against him.
“I’m very strong. We know he’s a boxer and has good hands, but this is MMA. I can fight standing, on the ground; I have knees, elbows, and kicks. I’m very versatile. All I can say is that I’m going to finish him in the second round. I’m ready for the next level. I believe I’m at the next level, and I don’t say that with ego—I just have so much trust in my work.”
Defeating Yanez would keep Marcos’ undefeated streak alive and advance his UFC record to 4-0. He believes this achievement would be sufficient to secure a place in the UFC official bantamweight rankings.
“Yes, I’m definitely fighting for a spot in the rankings,” Marcos said. “I think winning this fight, I’m in the rankings. I have four fights in the UFC. I’m an undefeated fighter that’s 16-0, but should be 17-0 because my opponent in February backed out because of a (illegal) hit that wasn’t all that. I consider that as a win. But definitely, you’re talking about someone that’s undefeated, 16-0, four fights in the UFC, this is definitely a great opportunity to enter the top 15 of the division.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.
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