Darren Stewart: Interview Ahead of UFC Vegas 35

The main event on the night features a featherweight clash between two of the most effective kickers on the roster in Edson Barbosa and Giga Chikadze. We also have UFC newcomers battle it out for the major prize in the TUF finale. Bryan Battle will meet Gilbert Urbina in the middleweight clash, and Ricky Turcios clashes with Brady Hiestand in the battle of the bantamweights.

Besides that, I had the pleasure to catch up with a man among the action on August 28th in “The Dentist” Darren Stewart, who faces off against a tough Dustin Jacoby on the night. Stewart seeks to right the wrong after failing to secure victory in his last three outings. A tough challenge awaits in Dustin Jacoby, who hasn’t tasted defeat in combat since 2016. A challenge “The Dentist” is certainly capable of overcoming.

Interview with Darren “The Dentist” Stewart

Firstly, I’m excited to see you get straight back to work. How are you feeling physically and mentally ahead of August 28th?

Stewart – “I feel good, and I’m ready for war.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, going by your social media after the two Anders bouts. I’m getting a real different feeling as if it’s lit a fire right under your belly, and you mean business. Am I correct in saying that, and is that the reason for the quick turnaround to get back in there sharp?

Stewart – “Yes, correct! I’ve had enough of this decision s**t! No one beats me up. They all play the safe game, and I’m tired of it. You want a war let f***ing have it!”

Your last two fights with Anders, what did you take away from the fights, what lessons did you learn? Especially after the first, I think all the fans took away there is no quit in you. Made differently.

Stewart – “What I took away from them two fights is I can’t go to a decision at all, and it can’t go past round one, lol. Erm yeah, you’re damn right I’m not any quitter. I’m a different breed!”

You seem to have a great relationship with Chris Carley. Can you tell me what it’s like having him in your corner with you on this crazy journey?

Stewart – “Chris Carly is the man, mate! He has too many years of experience not to use from him. He’s funny and, at the same time, a vicious man when it comes to the striking game. He’s added a lot to my striking game and most of my finishes in the UFC, to be honest.”

What were your initial thoughts when offered the matchup against Dustin Jacoby? Do you feel this is a fight that favours you? How do you think you match up stylistically against one another?

Stewart – “My initial thoughts when asked to fight Dustin is I don’t give a f**k! Whoever it is can get the same smoke. I don’t care about styles anymore because styles and trying to adapt as a fighter has not got me to know where in the UFC, so I’m just doing me!”

Are you a guy who likes to study tape on his opponents? If so, are there any strengths or weaknesses in Dustin’s game that you’ve managed to identify? I imagine it’s more difficult identifying flaws with a guy who’s been racking wins together across different disciplines?

Stewart – “Not a fan of studying my opponent because it all changes on the day. Nothing is difficult if a man is racking wins over different disciplines. It’s MMA at the end of the day. That all changes when I bang you in the face. Good luck to him, and it’s nothing personal. My mindset is in a different place right now.”

Lastly, from me, what can we expect to see from Darren Stewart on Aug.28. Can we get an official fight prediction?

Stewart – “What can you expect to see from me is the fight not going to a decision. I’m coming to remove teeth and have a straight-up WAR!”

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Featured Image Credits to: Embed from Getty Images