HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Seventeen weeks ago, Adam Borics found out he’d be fighting Darrion Caldwell in the second round of the Bellator featherweight grand prix.
For almost four months now, Borics (14-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) has been preparing for Caldwell (14-3 MMA, 11-2 BMMA). At Bellator 238 on Saturday, he’ll finally get his hands on the former bantamweight champion.
“Everything is going well,” Borics told MMA Junkie. “I started my camp since I came back from the selection show (in September). This has been a (17)-week training camp or something like that. I’ve already done the work. Everything went well. This is the best shape I’ve been in in my life. I’m ready to go.”
About 11 weeks into his camp, Borics’ training partner Kamaru Usman engaged in an instant classic against bitter rival Colby Covington at UFC 245. Battling through adversity and outlasting Covington, the UFC welterweight champ Usman retained his title by fifth-round TKO.
Borics has long drawn motivation from the UFC star, but that performance solidified his admiration for “The Nigerian Nightmare,” he said. Going forward, the Hungarian featherweight hopes to emulate Usman both in and out of the cage.
“Usman, he’s so strong in his mind,” Borics said. “After (UFC 245), I was like, ‘Hey, I want to be like that strong guy.’ He has a poker face and never shows he’s tired. I keep that in my mind. I never show I’m tired. I’m ready to go always. He’s maybe one of the biggest motivations for me.
“I really like him. He’s very humble and a hard worker. Sometimes, the people need some show. He can talk, but he’s very respectful and very nice with me.”
When it comes time for Borics and Caldwell to square off at Bellator 238, the former said he plans on bringing the fight to his opponent. Viewers are in for “fireworks,” according to Borics.
“I’m going to give him a lot of pressure,” Borics said. “It’s not going to be a boring fight. It’s going to fireworks.”
Bellator 238 takes place Saturday at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Check out MMA Junkie’s full pre-fight interview with Borics in the video above.
