Beating a Russian on pay-per-view paid dividends for UFC welterweight Max Griffin, who’s signed a new five-fight contract with the promotion.
Now, Griffin (15-6 MMA, 3-4 UFC) is pushing for a spot on the UFC on ESPN+ 13 card, which takes place in his home city of Sacramento, Calif.
“There’s only two fights that have been announced,” Griffin told MMA Junkie. “We have a sitdown with (UFC matchmaker) Sean Shelby this week to talk him into letting me fight.
“I’ve been wanting to fight at home for a long time, and it’s perfect timing.”
UFC on ESPN+ 13 takes place July 13 at Golden 1 Center. Griffin, a Santa Barbara native, trains at Marinoble’s Martial Arts in the state capital city.
Griffin is holding off on calling out an opponent until he talks with Shelby. He said a callout of ex-champ Carlos Condit led to a matchup with the undefeated Zelim Imadaev, who took him the distance at UFC 236.
Griffin came out ahead, winning a majority decision to rebound from a paif of losses. But he decided he’d wait for the promotion to offer his next opponent.
A marquee name would of course be Griffin’s preference, but he said he’s up for anything.
“Just good guys,” he said. “I feel like the guys I’ve been fighting are some of the toughest guys the UFC has. Straight up as far as toughness and endurance. The guys can’t all be this tough. I’m looking forward to someone good.
“They like it when you win those pay-per-view fights. You usually get a good push after you’re victorious on pay-per-view. I’m anticipating something big.”
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