LAS VEGAS – Ryan Spann knows more time might be required before his complete heavyweight transformation is complete, but he is happy to take step one Saturday at UFC Fight Night 254.
After spending the whole thing of his promotional tenure at light heavyweight, Spann (22-10 MMA, 8-5 UFC) opted to vary divisions and move up. He makes his debut against Waldo Cortes-Acosta (12-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) on the UFC Apex (ESPN+).
In keeping with Spann, he has bulked up methodically without losing an excessive amount of speed or athleticism. That process will proceed whatever the results of his entry fight into the division.
“That is the brand new look, but this isn’t the ultimate type of the brand new look,” Spann told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “We’re going to get well from here.
“Truthfully, I train near the burden that y’all are going to see Friday. I just spend a variety of that point cutting weight, so I didn’t get to do a variety of the stuff I should’ve been doing preparing. Now we’re having fun and we’re within the gym.”
During his run at 205 kilos, Spann has wins over notables equivalent to Ovince Saint Preux, Dominick Reyes, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and more. He earned a 95-second finish to say Performance of the Night honors in his most up-to-date appearance at UFC 307 in October.
With the removal of a weight cut, Spann thinks he might be much more free to fight in a mode that suits him best. How that may work against greater opponents stays to be seen, but Spann thinks he’s entering with the appropriate mindset.
“(I just must) rejoice,” Spann said. “Trust the method. It’s going to come back. I just rejoice.”
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