Mark De La Rosa isn’t thinking about the ramifications of a loss at UFC on ESPN 10.
Currently, on a three-fight skid, De La Rosa (11-4 MMA, 2-4 UFC) likely will have his back up against the wall on Saturday. Regardless of the potential scenario, De La Rosa displayed a nonchalant, laid-back demeanor at Thursday’s virtual pre-fight media day.
“As far as pressure for me, there’s a lot of things I’m grateful for,” De La Rosa told MMA Junkie. “Just being stuck at home and seeing people suffer and seeing people not able to pay their bills or put food on the table. I’m definitely coming home with two checks on Saturday.”
Unlike many married fighters, De La Rosa is in a unique situation being the husband of UFC women’s flyweight Montana De La Rosa. The couple’s income largely depends on whether or not they fight, so the UFC’s swift return to action was welcomed by the De La Rosa’s with open arms.
“It’s awesome, man,” De La Rosa said. “I’m super, super grateful for the opportunity and happy I was one of the chosen few.”
As for his matchup with Jordan Espinosa, De La Rosa hinted he’s figured him out. According to De La Rosa, Espinosa (14-7 MMA, 1-2 UFC) hasn’t evolved in recent fights and is predictable in nature.
“I don’t see anything different from him,” De La Rosa said. “I don’t see him as a different fighter. He fights the same way every time – super athletic, super jittery. He throws the same combos, dances, moves – a super athletic, exciting fighter. I’m going to try to impose my will with a pressure he’s never seen before.”
UFC on ESPN 10 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
Check out the virtual UFC on ESPN 10 pre-fight media scrum with Mark De La Rosa in the video above.
