UFC Fight Night 74's Josh Burkman on 'sh-tty' second UFC stint: 'I hate it; I'm pissed'

SASKATOON – Josh Burkman returned to the UFC earlier this year riding a strong wave of momentum. That momentum has taken a significant hit with two winless appearances, and Burkman said he’s not happy about it.

“I hate it; I’m pissed – it’s been sh-tty,” Burkman told MMAjunkie of his second UFC stint. “My fight career, I’m very disappointed with it. But where I’m at in my life outside the cage and having healthy boys and a happy wife and a new home, I wouldn’t change a single thing. All that adversity has led me to being right here in this moment.”

Burkman got the call to return to the UFC welterweight division in January after a more than six-year absence from the organization. He was originally a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 2” and went 5-5 inside the octagon before parting ways with the company in October 2008 after three-straight losses.

“The People’s Warrior” took the long road back. He fought in multiple organizations and won eight of 10 fights, including a stunning 41-second submission of former UFC title challenger Jon Fitch to win the WSOF welterweight title.

Burkman has received nothing but notable fights in his second UFC run. He fought Hector Lombard at UFC 182 in a bout he originally lost but was later overturned to a no-contest after Lombard failed his post-fight drug test. He then suffered a third-round submission loss to Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 187 in May.

Hoping to make good on his third opportunity, Burkman (27-11 MMA, 5-6 UFC) meets Patrick Cote (21-9 MMA, 7-9 UFC) in a featured bout on UFC Fight Night 74’s FOX Sports 1-televised main card on Sunday at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The prelims air on the same channel and UFC Fight Pass.

Burkman made it clear he’s disappointed with his recent performances. However, he said he wasn’t entirely healthy against Lombard and Kim. That’s not the case for Cote, though, and he expects to deliver his best effort.

“They’ve given me an opportunity to try to show that I’m at a high level; unfortunately I haven’t come into those performances ready to perform,” Burkman said. “I’ve come in with injuries and not in ideal situations. …I couldn’t have asked for camp to go any better. I have no injuries, I’m healthy and I had a great camp. I got to train stand up, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. It’s been years since I’ve been able to do that and get out of camp healthy.”

The 34-year-old said he’s aware his current position is dangerous. Going three straight UFC fights without a victory could lead to a second UFC release. Burkman said that pressure doesn’t concern him, and he’s eager to prove the company brought him back for good reason.

“Every fight seems like it’s the most important fight,” Burkman said. “For me, whether I win or whether I lose, the most important thing for me is being a good husband, being a good father and supporting my family. But this one is probably the biggest fight of my career because my job may be on the line. I live that pressure. Pressure makes diamonds and I’m up for this.”

If Burkman hopes to get back on the winning track, he must halt the momentum of Cote. “The Predator” is 3-1 since he dropped to the UFC welterweight division in March 2013 and has found renewed confidence in the weight class.

Burkman said he’s not buying into Cote’s latest run of success. In fact, he said Cote’s best days are over while he still has plenty of shining moments ahead.

“I think that this is the perfect fight for me to show that my skills have evolved in all areas,” Burkman said. “Whether we stand up, clinch or wrestle. I believe I’ll beat Cote at every area of the game.

“I believe my best fights are in front of me and Pat’s best fights are behind him.”

For more UFC Fight Night 74, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.