UFC 223's Kyle Bochniak wants to hijack Zabit Magomedsharipov's hype train

UFC featherweight Kyle Bochniak noticed something different about himself during his most recent trip to the octagon.

Facing Brandon Davis at UFC 200, he noticed how unusually calm he was trading blows with his opponent.

“I had a calming effect on myself, just not overthinking situations, just being more creative,” Bochniak (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) told MMAjunkie. “Like more artistic. Being free and doing what I have to do and not having so much tunnel vision.

“I felt like wherever the fight went, I was cool, calm and collected.”

At the end of 15 minutes, he earned a unanimous decision to take home his second UFC win.

Bochniak hopes that minset carries over to a fight with Zabit Magomedsharipov (14-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), whom he meets in the UFC Fight Pass-streamed opener of UFC 223, which takes place April 7 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Looking at Magomedsharipov’s wild and inventive style, you could say he’s got a handle on staying in the flow during fights. Many UFC fans are excited about the unique and creative attacks he brings to the octagon. Two opponents already are on his list of victims.

Does Bochniak think he’s got a solid fight ahead? Sure. But that doesn’t stop him from preparing to dominate when they meet in the cage.

“All I know is he’s an MMA fighter, he’s got a lot of hype behind him, and I’m not underestimating him,” he said. “I never underestimate anyone. April 7, I’m going to show up.

“I’m just trying to take his hype train away and take all his fans and put myself on the map.”

If anything, Bochniak believes Magomedsharipov’s style could work against him when they touch gloves. While other fighters might be caught by surprise by unconventional attacks, they’re the type that create openings for an opponent who can counter using sound fundamentals.

“I can’t put myself in stupid positions and get out of position too much,” Bochniak said. “I feel like these flashy guys, they’re going to put themselves out of position a lot more than I will. So I’ve just got to be ready, stand in the pocket and throw.”

For more on UFC 223, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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