Burkman: Last two fights, it’s been $#!^^y

Josh Burkman exited the UFC back in 2008 on a three-fight win streak. He put together a 6-1 streak outside the world’s largest MMA league, and then was brought back, only to lose twice, to Dong Hyun Kim and Hector Lombard (the latter fight was changed to NC after Lombard tested positive for PEDs).

The second time has not been a charm, and Burkman is not happy.

I hate it; I’m pissed – it’s been s—-y, said Burkman to Mike Bohn and Matt Erickson for MMAjunkie. My fight career, I’m very disappointed with it. But where I’m at in my life outside the cage and having healthy boys and a happy wife and a new home, I wouldn’t change a single thing. All that adversity has led me to being right here in this moment.

They’ve given me an opportunity to try to show that I’m at a high level; unfortunately I haven’t come into those performances ready to perform. I’ve come in with injuries and not in ideal situations.”

On Sunday at UFC Fight Night 74 Burkman fights Patrick Cote. At 34, he has a lot on the line. But his explains that this camp has been far better than the last two.

“I couldn’t have asked for camp to go any better,” said Burkman. “I have no injuries, I’m healthy and I had a great camp. I got to train stand up, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. It’s been years since I’ve been able to do that and get out of camp healthy.

Every fight seems like it’s the most important fight. For me, whether I win or whether I lose, the most important thing for me is being a good husband, being a good father and supporting my family. But this one is probably the biggest fight of my career because my job may be on the line. I live that pressure. Pressure makes diamonds and I’m up for this.

I think that this is the perfect fight for me to show that my skills have evolved in all areas. Whether we stand up, clinch or wrestle. I believe I’ll beat Cote at every area of the game.

I believe my best fights are in front of me and Pat’s best fights are behind him.