Exclusive: Kyle Bochniak Says He Is “Playing With House Money” At UFC 223

Kyle Bochniak says being an underdog benefits him. 

At UFC 223, Kyle Bochniak and Zabit Magomedsharipov have been scheduled to meet on the UFC Fight Pass preliminary card. Fightful MMA's James Lynch interviewed Bochniak while playing Street Fighter II and asked him about being the betting odds underdog. Bochniak explained there are reasons Magomedsharipov is the favorite. 

"He's got a lot of followers, he's got a lot of hype behind him, and a lot of his fights were very entertaining. I like it. I like when everyone is doubting me and thinking this kid is going to run over me," said Bochniak.

Even though it seems UFC has invested interest in Magomedsharipov, Bochniak believes that benefits him in the long run. 

"Once I beat Zabit, it's going to make my stock go up and I'm going to have even tougher fights. It's going to put me up the ladder even further. This is definitely…I'm playing with house money. Nothing to lose, everything to gain," said Bochniak. 

Fightful MMA will have live coverage and a recapping podcast for UFC 223 which will take place April 7th and features two championship bouts. 

The entire interview is available on the Fightful MMA YouTube and the video at the top of this page.