Oban Elliott relishing UFC debut at UFC 298 on Volkanovski v Topuria undercard

Oban Elliott relishing UFC debut at UFC 298 on Volkanovski v Topuria undercard

Johns was the first Welshman to set foot in the UFC octagon – albeit on the same night as Marshman – when he beat Kwan Ho Kwan in November 2016.

“I’ve told Oban to enjoy every single second,” said Johns.

“The way he bounces back from things is absolutely fantastic and this is such a big card to be on for his first fight, but it’s going to suit Oban.

“Sometimes you’re in such a rush to get out there and fight that you don’t take in the little things – the signing the posters, doing interviews, meeting up with fans.

“It’s such an amazing experience. To be on such a big card, that’s only going to multiply by 10.”

Shore, who fights at UFC 301 in May, is confident Elliott can make his mark quickly in the welterweight division.

“In two or three years we’ll see him in that top 10,” Shore said.

“He was always athletic, a good striker, but now he’s the complete package.

“His wrestling is as good as his striking. If he’s having a 50-50 fight on his feet, he’s so athletic and technical that he can get that takedown, and vice versa.

“If he wants to keep the fight on the feet, his wrestling defence is a nightmare to get down.

“He’s on a five-fight win streak now and every fight he’s been getting better and better. He’s got all the tools to do very well in the division.”

Whatever happens, Elliott is clear he wants to provide motivation to fighters of the future.

“It would be amazing to inspire the next generation – the same way as I saw Chael Sonnen, Michael Bisping, Conor McGregor, the way they inspired me,” he said.

“This is just like walking and talking and breathing for me. I’ll go into the Honda Centre and make it the Gangster’s paradise.”

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