Julien LeBlanc will make his Octagon debut with UFC Winnipeg on April 18th towards Robert Valentin. A veteran of a few of Canada’s regional MMA circuits, LeBlanc spoke about how he feels as he prepares to step into the UFC cage for the primary time on Saturday (through MMA Canada),
“Yeah, I am on a cloud. That is the proper phrase. I am so excited and it feels nice. Like I stated, I am additionally grateful. I am grateful to the UFC for giving me a shot at 34 years previous, however I’ll present them they made the proper choice in giving me a shot and signing me.”
In response to the concept that the UFC seems to be modifying its arbitrary age issues when signing expertise in case a fighter brings an thrilling model to dwell competitors, LeBlanc stated (through MMA Canada),
“Yeah, I feel you are proper. One in every of my pals, Mandel Naro, fought on the Contenders Collection this summer season, and he actually did. As younger as we like him to be within the gymnasium and beat up like a high-level UFC fighter, I all the time thought this man had an opportunity to actually do effectively within the UFC and get into the UFC.”
“So, he bought his likelihood this summer season at 36 years previous. I feel he bought the contract and knocked him out within the first spherical and bought the deal. So after I noticed this this summer season, that instantly grew to become one of many massive motivations for me, and right here I’m.”
“So I feel it exhibits that whenever you’re a martial artist, you do not all the time get to decide on how your path goes. There are a whole lot of issues that may occur, however a very powerful factor is to imagine in your self and by no means surrender. We will all the time give the UFC an opportunity in the event that they’re thrilling and convey one thing to the desk. However on the finish of the day, like I stated, it is my job and it is our job to point out them that they did the proper factor.”
At UFC Winnipeg, Julien LeBlanc will compete in the principle occasion of Mike Malott vs. Gilbert Burns
His UFC debut will likely be towards The Final Fighter finalist, who has had a number of fights within the Octagon so far. When requested his ideas on Robert Ballentine and what he delivered to the sport towards Manitoba, LeBlanc quipped: MMA Canada),
“Oh, to be trustworthy, I feel he is a really powerful opponent. He is superb. He is very aggressive. He would not appear scared. He is a man who goes to kill. Individuals do not know that, however I feel he is a really powerful opponent in the identical season as him. I used to be virtually chosen to be a fighter. I bought minimize proper earlier than I flew out to Las Vegas. They took my good buddy Tommy Theo (Tom Theocharis) with me, and I used to be very joyful for him.”
“So, I watched the present and I like Rob. It is like he was the star of the present, so to talk. I like his vitality, the way in which he talks and all the pieces. So I have been watching his fights. I have been virtually like a fan. You recognize what I imply about him. I noticed his first UFC combat, so I have been watching him quite a bit. I did not anticipate to combat him, however let’s go.”
“I’ll combat him and I do know it is a good matchup for me. He is not scared to get into the fireplace and I am not scared both. I feel we’re each going to do effectively. I feel it is going to be a very fireworks matchup. So, I am trying ahead to it, dude. Actually, it is going to be a superb combat and I do know he’ll be prepared, however I’ll be prepared too.”
When responding to the concept that there is a component of collective elation on these playing cards for The Nice Struggle North, the place Canadians have carved out a outstanding successful report. LeBlanc spoke in regards to the notion that there was a rise in partisanship in a majority of these contests, and that Canadians appear to be upsetting one another with these playing cards (through MMA Canada),
“Yeah, to be trustworthy, I do know Mike (Marotte) all the time says defend the north, so we’re positively going to attempt to defend the north on April 18th. You recognize, on the finish of the day, you are proper. It is like Canadians, now we have to get our act collectively and defend ourselves. We’re in the identical dressing room quite a bit, and everyone knows one another somewhat bit, so I feel it is good. It is like, I want each of them the perfect of luck. ”
“However Mike is preventing Gilbert. Gilbert, I am coaching with him at Kill Cliff. I do know him effectively too. So we’ll most likely be collectively extra. I imply, I’ll do my very own factor there. I will positively be becoming a member of the Kill Cliff crew, too, as a result of they’re my crew too. However like I stated, I do know I’ve a whole lot of respect for each of them at this stage. I want Mike and Gilbert all the perfect of their combat. ”
“However, no, actually just like the Canadians, we’ll attempt to elevate ourselves. Attempt to elevate ourselves and defend the North and be the perfect we could be. However what I am saying is that the UFC is beginning to come again to Canada. That is nice. There’s a whole lot of expertise right here, and you possibly can see that with Georges St-Pierre on the time. I feel there’s going to be much more Canadians arising within the subsequent few years, and it is actually enjoyable to be part of that, man.”
“Actually, I would say I am a UFC fighter. It is like the primary time I walked out and placed on the shorts with my title on them. It provides me goosebumps simply occupied with it. It is what I have been coaching for and striving for all my life. To be there now and combat…my first combat on a Canadian card is a dream come true. It is unbelievable.”
