Desmond Green Aiming for Big Finishes, as He Pushes for a UFC Contract

Since suffering a loss to Andre Harrison at Titan FC 35 to close out 2015, lightweight veteran Desmond “Predator” Green has rebounded with two wins in 2016, including a recent unanimous decision victory against Dez Hill at FFC 24 in June.

“(Hill) actually came in like 10 pounds heavy the day of the weigh-ins, so that was a bit of an adjustment,” Green told MMAWeekly.com. “It was my first time fighting in a boxing ring. I had to make a couple of adjustments, but I felt good. I was hoping for a finish, but I wasn’t too mad at my performance given the circumstances.”

When asked if he was hesitant to fight someone so overweight, Green said he has no problems with it, and believes it’s a sign of things to come in the fight.

“I’m game, but of course I want some of that purse money for compensation,” Green said. “If somebody doesn’t make weight, it tells me a couple things. One: that they weren’t taking their fight camp serious. Two: that he’s not in shape and something didn’t go right.”

TRENDING > BJ Penn Expects to Return in November, Reponds to Dana White’s Comments

Something else Green feels has helped him rebound this year has been his decision to move back up to 155 pounds after years of fighting at 145 pounds and wearing himself out to much because of the weight cut.

“When I first started out, I fought at 155 pounds and then moved down to 145 pounds because I got an opportunity to fight in Bellator at it,” he said. “The plan was never to stay down there, but I was getting offered good fights down there, so I stayed there.

“I started getting way too big for 145 pounds. It started showing in my performance. I was getting a bit tired out there, it’s like I was drained, and the weight cut played a huge roll. When I fight at 155 pounds, I perform much better, so I’m definitely happy to make the move back up to 155 pounds.”

Green (17-5) looks to pick up his third win a row when he takes on Frank Carrillo (10-6) at Titan FC 40 in Coral Gables, Fla., on Friday in a main card 155-pound bout.

“I’ve watched some videos on him, and two of my teammates have fought him and gained victories off of that, so I feel like I’ve got a good game plan and I feel like I know what I’ve got to do,” said Green of Carrillo.

“I like the match-up for me and like my style versus his style. He’s a bigger guy, so I’ve got to be prepared to get in and out, and I think I’ve got a good game plan and am excited for this fight.”

While Green hopes a good performance on Aug. 5 can help him get into the UFC, he’s not opposed to closing out the year with more bouts if it means eventually getting his chance to move up.

“I’m really, really pushing for a finish,” Green said. “I’m really trying to make a statement and get into the UFC, so I’m fighting with some urgency these next couple fights.

“I’m really hoping it’s going to happen this year. I’m optimistic, but I might have to fight two or three more fights. If I come out of this fight with no injuries, I’d like a quick turnaround and fight another month or two later. Maybe at the end of the year if somebody drops out, I’ll get signed to a UFC card.”

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram