UFC's Pedro Munhoz Shrugs Off "Gatekeeper" Tag
Pedro Munhoz has heard the whispers, the murmurs that he's a "gatekeeper" in the UFC's bantamweight division. A tough fighter who can test the top guys, but not quite good enough to break into the elite.
Munhoz has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and he's not about to start now. In fact, he embraces the underdog role.
"I think it's a good thing," Munhoz said. "It means I'm doing something right. I'm making people notice me. I'm making people talk about me. And I'm going to keep doing that until I get the respect I deserve."
That respect will come with a win over Aiemann Zahabi at UFC on ESPN+ 9 in Edmonton on Saturday night. Zahabi is a decorated grappler and a rising star in the UFC's bantamweight division. He's also a teammate of former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, who is one of the most respected fighters in the sport.
Munhoz knows that a win over Zahabi would be a major statement. It would prove that he's not just a gatekeeper, but a legitimate contender in the bantamweight division.
"I'm not going to take him lightly," Munhoz said. "He's a tough opponent. He's a well-rounded fighter. But I'm confident in my abilities. I know I can beat him."
A Point to Prove
Munhoz has been on a tear lately, winning four of his last five fights. His only loss during that stretch came against current UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo.
Munhoz is eager to get back into the win column and prove that he's still one of the best bantamweights in the world. A win over Zahabi would be a major step in that direction.
"I have a lot to prove," Munhoz said. "I want to show everyone that I'm not just a gatekeeper. I'm a contender. I'm one of the best bantamweights in the world. And I'm coming for the title."