Volkmann Considers Escudero an ‘Arrogant Little Punk’

“He’s just an arrogant little punk,” Volkmann told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Savage Dog Show.” “I’m not a fan of him.”

Apparently Volkmann met the winner of “The Ultimate Fighter 8” in July at CFA 2 in Miami, Fla. Escudero outpointed Mike Rio on that card to help work his way back to the UFC. However, Volkmann didn’t care for how he believes Escudero carried himself.

“He sat there and everyone had to wait for him,” Volkmann said. “He was late to the weigh-ins. Just the way he sat there and looked like he was so arrogant, it just pissed me off. I didn’t even know the guy and I wanted to punch him.”

Volkmann had been scheduled to fight T.J. Grant on Friday, but when Grant was injured, Escudero got the call as the replacement. At that point, Volkmann realized he’d be in the cage with the fighter he’d seen in Miami. He wasn’t particularly impressed by Escudero’s ability that night either.

“Typical wrestler,” Volkmann said. “He likes the front headlock, goes for the guillotine a lot. Nothing real special. Throws the overhand right. I didn’t see anything too special.”

The opponent switch, which came roughly three weeks ago, doesn’t seem to concern Volkmann. He sounds willing to fight anyone but also made it clear that he prefers quality opposition.

“The only thing I want is, I want a top-10 contender here shortly,” Volkmann said. “It had better be the next fight.”

In fact, Volkmann doesn’t understand why he isn’t fighting top competition already. After four straight wins in the UFC, he expressed some frustration with how he’s being matched but was also careful in his criticism.

“I have some things I wanted to say, but I don’t know,” he said. “I think they’re probably inappropriate, especially after Miguel Torres made that one comment and got kicked out. I’d better watch what I say.”

Volkmann’s performance against Escudero could do much more for him than words. First and foremost he’ll be looking for another win, but he’ll also strive to improve his striking and appeal more to fans who want to see standup.

“I think he’s going to come out a little crazy, which will be nice,” Volkmann said. “If he comes at me, I’m just going to lower my level and take him down. But if he wants to stand and bang, I’m willing to do that now because I’ve won four in a row. My main goal right now is to get my standup better in the cage. That’s my weakness right now. If I want a title fight, I need to get my standup better.”

Listen to the full interview (beginning at 57:20).