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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and John Morgan

Ricky Simon on why he’s a problem for the UFC’s bantamweight division

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ricky Simon beat Ray Borg with a split decision Wednesday on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 29 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Take a look inside the fight with Simon, who snapped a two-fight skid.

Result: Ricky Simon def. Ray Borg via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Simon (16-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Borg (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC)
Key stat: Simon landed seven takedowns in the fight and outstruck Borg 93-53.

Simon on the fight’s key moment

“I wish I would have stayed a little more technical in the fight. I knew I had a lot of advantages, but damn I love to fight and get dirty in there.”

Simon on his upbringing

“My mom is the reason why I’m so tough. She’s a tough lady. I had to miss Mother’s Day. I had to be out here training. I credit everything to my parents. They raised us right and my brothers and I overcame a lot of adversity growing up.”

Simon on what he wants next

“I’ve always known where I belong. I belong at the top of the division. I’m 16-3 now. I have the experience, and he’s an ex-title challenger. That means a lot, too. I have the experience and I just proved that I have the talent, as well. … I just have something in me. I just want it and I’m not going to go away. I’m always trying to get better. I’m a problem and the bantamweight division is going to have to deal with me. I feel good.”

To hear more from Simon, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

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