TAMPA, Fla. – Thomas Gifford understands why his fight was moved off the UFC on ESPN+ 19 main card after his original opponent, Brok Weaver, was replaced with Mike Davis.
Gifford (14-8 MMA, 0-1 UFC) was supposed to fight in a featured bout on Saturday’s event, but when Weaver got hurt and was replaced with Davis (6-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), the promotion shifted the bout order and moved the lightweight contest to the prelims.
Some fighters may feel slighted by being moved out of a prominent position, but Gifford said he’s taking it in stride.
“I don’t take offense to it, this is my second fight in the UFC,” Gifford told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC on ESPN+ 19 media day. I like to fight first, I like to get it over with. Brok Weaver was the hype so I’ll give him that.”
UFC on ESPN+ 19 takes place at Amalie Arena. The entire card streams on ESPN+.
Gifford said he expects to get past Davis for his first UFC win, at which point he desired a rescheduled matchup with Weaver (14-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
“I was planning on stealing the hype,” Gifford said. “I’m going to meet up with Brok eventually.”
To hear more from Gifford at UFC on ESPN+ 19 media day, watch the video above.
