The ordering process for Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-views has changed: UFC 241 is only available on ESPN+ in the U.S.
Casey Kenney did not start his Ultimate Fighting Championship career under normal circumstances. The former Legacy Fighting Alliance flyweight champion won the promotion’s bantamweight title in March, and then stepped into the Octagon eight days later at UFC on ESPN 2 to face former flyweight title contender Ray Borg at 135 pounds. Moreover, he made his UFC debut without key coaches in his corner, and working through a knee injury. It is why he believes UFC fans have yet to see the best of him, and he plans to display that Aug. 17 at UFC 241 as he seeks to begin his UFC career with a second straight victory over unbeaten bantamweight Manny Bermudez.
“Pretty much, all odds were against me,” Kenney told Sherdog. “I had ice cream that weekend. I had a fresh cut over my eye. My coaches, who had been with me for 18-fights, couldn’t make it. I had a small tear in my knee. Everything that I could have made excuses for was there, but there was no question in my mind [he wanted compete on short-notice]. I still think about it. It’s like, I’ll never be able to do that again. Just the whole situation. The opportunity. Not many get to experience that.”
Despite those difficult conditions, Kenney, 28, had a successful debut in the promotion. Defeating Borg via unanimous decision. Yet, the Indiana native expects to unleash an even better version of himself against Bermudez inside the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
“I think I came out the gate against Ray Borg looking to put on an exciting striking display, and I kind of got sucked into the grappling exchange. I think I’m going to control the fight -- [wherever] it goes -- a lot more in this one, and you’re going to get to see that complete Casey Kenney. Not just a grappler with a little bit of strikes. I think you’re going to see a full, complete mixed martial artist.”
During this exclusive interview with Sherdog, Kenney analyzed Bermudez and gave his thoughts on why he has been able to succeed in submitting so many of his previous opponents. He also explained why he will be a problem for “The Bermuda Triangle” on fight night and his preparation for his foe’s grappling acumen.
