After Burkman upset, Zak Ottow explains why he's thankful UFC didn't sign him sooner

PORTLAND, Ore. – Competing against an MMA veteran of more than 40 fights on short notice – in his UFC debut – was no problem for Zak Ottow. He beat Josh Burkman, a nearly 3-1 favorite, on Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 96 main card, extending his winning streak to five fights.

Ottow (14-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was signed to the UFC just 22 days prior to UFC Fight Night 96 when Burkman’s (28-14 MMA, 6-9 UFC) original opponent, Bobby Green, pulled out of the matchup due to an injury. He capitalized on the opportunity and outworked “The People’s Warrior” for a split-decision victory in the welterweight bout at Moda Center in Portland, Ore.

Burkman has traveled to the octagon 15 times during his career while competing against some notable and well-respected names. Ottow, 29, came into the fight with no such experience, but he didn’t appear to be overwhelmed by the moment. He said he expected as much from himself.

“I feel like if I had gotten here any sooner in my career, I wouldn’t have been ready for the moment,” Ottow told MMAjunkie post-fight. “I really think everything I’ve done so far, just the stars were aligned for me to get a win against such a tough dude like Burkman. (I came) out and got that decision win against a savvy guy who has been in the sport longer than I’ve even known what MMA is.”

Although he’s hailed for his grappling game, which has led to 10 submissions in 14 career wins, Ottow’s striking made the difference against Burkman. He landed the harder and better strikes over the course of three rounds, and that was likely one of the key contributing factors in two of three judges awarding him the fight.

Typically UFC newcomers feel some sort of nerves going into their first fight with the promotion. Ottow said he experienced nothing but positive energy, though, and as more cage time passed, his confidence bubbled.

“It was kind of an eery sense of calmness,” Ottow said. “I really felt like – I don’t know if it was the preparation that I knew I was going to be here one day, but I really felt comfortable once I got in there, and it wasn’t nerve-racking by the crowd or the cameras. I really felt at home and just was able to go out there and let it out, let it flow. I feel like it was a little bit more of a chess match. We were both switching stances a lot. Very similar styles. Normally I finish guys, but he was too tough to finish.”

Ottow may not have got the stoppage win he was looking for, but it’s hard to complain much about adding 15 minutes of valuable experience on the sport’s biggest stage to his resume. “The Barbarian” said he’s the type to be overly critical of his performances, though.

“I’m going to go back to the drawing board, get a little better,” Ottow said. “One percent better every day. Then see what the UFC and see what my managers have for me in the future. But I can’t wait for the next one.”

Check out the full conversation above.

And for complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 96, check out the UFC Events section of the site.