T.J. Grant is well aware his UFC future will be hanging from a thin thread Saturday night in Indianapolis.
But the Cole Harbour native’s opponent at UFC 119, Julio Paulino, is in the same boat.
Both fighters are coming off UFC losses. Grant dropped to 2-2 on the sport’s grandest stage with a May loss to Johny Hendricks while Paulino lost his first career UFC bout in March.
In a circuit with few guarantees, the loser is at risk of being permanently cut from UFC.
“That’s always (in your mind) when you’re coming off a loss in UFC,” Grant said.
“But I’m not thinking about it. I’m not gonna let it affect my performance. I’m gonna fight my heart out no matter what and I’m hoping to come out with the win.”
Paulino’s career record is 17-3 with 10 knockouts and six submissions.
Grant said the Anchorage, Alaska, native relies on his impressive punching power, but the 26-year-old hopes his ability to adapt to any style will lead him to a critical win.
“I feel I’m more well-rounded and I can impose my will,” Grant said.
“I’m gonna go with whatever I have to to get the win … but it’s one thing to say it and another thing to do it. I’ve got to go out there and do it on Saturday.”
