Las Vegas – Brian Battle reflected on his performance at UFC Fight Night 239 with a mix of emotions. Despite the fight ending in a no-contest, he believed he emerged as the victor.
Battle (10-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) secured a win in the event’s co-main bout by causing an eye injury to his opponent Ange Russa (10-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at UFC Apex. After a brief pause, Russa indicated he couldn’t see, prompting the referee to halt the fight.
Following the no-contest decision announced by Bruce Buffer, Battle confronted Russa, carrying that intensity into the post-fight press conference.
Battle speculated that Russa may have exaggerated the severity of the eye poke to avoid a defeat.
“The altercation began when I noticed him and called him out on his acting,” Battle revealed to MMA Junkie and other media outlets. “I knew it wasn’t as serious as he made it seem. I’ve experienced eye pokes before, both as the recipient and the instigator. As I looked at him, he appeared unharmed.
“It was a situation where he felt cornered. He knew he couldn’t win the fight, absolutely knew it. So, by pretending the eye injury was worse than it was, he maneuvered it into a no-contest (which he succeeded in doing).
“Opting for a no contest is preferable to a loss, which was his clear intention. He lacked the speed, power, size, grappling, and striking proficiency to compete with me in any aspect. It’s just reality. I’ll move forward. That’s life. That’s the fight game. I have greater challenges ahead, and I’m ready for them. We keep progressing.”
While the UFC sometimes arranges rematches for matches concluded under contentious circumstances, there is no indication yet if a rematch between Battle and Russa will occur.
Battle expressed openness to a rematch with Russa but mentioned his readiness to explore other matchups.
“I’m unsure if he would agree to a rematch,” Battle remarked. “It’s an easy payday for me. I aim to climb the rankings, face more renowned opponents, and headline events. I was the pivotal figure in this fight and I’m eager to aim for bigger and better things. If the UFC proposes a rematch with Ange Rouza, I’d consider it. I’d emerge victorious once again.”
For more details about the event, visit MMA Junkie’s dedicated hub for the card. UFC Fight Night 239.
