UNCASVILLE, Conn. – One week ago, Saad Awad wasn’t a part Bellator 232.
Now he’s slotted for Saturday night’s co-main event, but isn’t fazed by the short-notice opportunity – nor is he concerned with moving up a weight class in the process.
At Thursday’s media day at Mohegan Sun Casino, the longtime Bellator lightweight explained how the fight came together.
“(Expletive), I got a call,” Awad said. “Like I said before, I’m not one to pick my opponents. They call me to fight, I come to fight. I was ready. They called me. I said I’d take it. They said it’s this Saturday. I said that’s fine. They said it’s at a catchweight. I said, ‘What weight?’ They said, ‘175.’ I said that’s fine. And now I’m here.”
Despite having competed in a losing effort against Goiti Yamauchi just three weeks ago, Awad had no reservations about making such a quick turnaround.
“I’m in great shape,” Awad said. “I took one week off and let my body kind of relax from the weight cut and everything. Then I jumped back in it that following week. I trained throughout the week and felt really good. I felt like I never missed a beat, because I really didn’t.”
Bellator 232 takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Watch Saad Awad’s full pre-fight interview with MMA Junkie in the video above.
