It’s a tough gig to be a fighter, much less be a fighter coming from The Ultimate Fighter reality show.
There’s a stigma that’s attached to the TUF stars, that many of them have made their way into the Octagon solely based upon the merit of their stint on the television series.
For John Albert, it’s become a continued effort to show that there is much more to the Nevada native than meets the eye. Long before his stint on the show, John was an avid fan of martial artist stars such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
He wouldn’t necessarily call the dynamic duo a particular source of inspiration, but he does credit the men as those whom have opened up his eyes to the world of martial arts.
Now 25 years old, Albert has secured a victory in his UFC debut—a dominant TKO of the touted Dustin Pague—which is more than most men of his age have been able to accomplish.
Despite his recent successes, Albert continues to trudge along and prove to his detractors that he truly belongs amongst the world’s best inside the Octagon.
“Being new to this sport and being new to the big show, people actually talk about you,” said Albert to Bleacher Report, concerning the surprise attention that he’s recently garnered.
“They blog about you—just things like that, I’ve never been used to it. I actually see what they say and they kind of motivate me. I want to prove that I am capable to compete with the best guys in the world. It’s more motivation than anything. It makes me laugh the TUF bloggers, ‘Oh, this guy’s a (expletive). Oh, this guy’s going to get smashed.’ I’m going to go in and step into the cage against one of the best guys in the world and I’m excited.”
On his way to a 2-0 run in the UFC will be tested veteran Ivan Menjivar, a professional of more than 10 years, who’s fought the likes of former champions Matt Serra, Urijah Faber and even welterweight kingpin Georges St-Pierre.
One of the finer definitions of what a fighter should be, Menjivar is known for bringing a relentless pace and a well-rounded arsenal of attacks that would make most hesitant to step inside the cage with the touted vet.
John Albert is not one of those guys to shy away from a fight with the Canadian. In fact, he’s willing and ready to accept the challenge. After all, he’s already been dreaming about the burly “Pride of El Salvador,” just not maybe the way you might be thinking.
“I didn’t know who I’d get (for my next fight), I was actually surprised with Menjivar,” recalled Albert.
“I don’t really believe in any of that weird stuff with ghosts or anything like that, but I had a dream before the fight with Menjivar, and I told Sean Shelby (UFC matchmaker) the day after the Pague fight that, ‘Hey, I want to fight him.’ Then a week later, I was fighting Menjivar and he calls in and asks, ‘Do you want Menjivar,’ and I said, ‘Yep.’”
Though he’s still regarded as a young up-and-comer, it’s the fact that Albert is pitted against such a formidable opponent that has begun to draw a new air of confidence for the Victory Athletics fighter.
“I feel like I’m fighting one of the toughest bantamweights in the world,” said John.
“Logistically, this dude has over 30 fights and he’s fought amazing people. I got the opportunity to fight him, so it makes me feel like I’m one of the best in the world. Not on paper right now, but we’ll see after the fight.
“It didn’t matter who they gave me. I would have fought Urijah Faber. I don’t think I’m at that level, but, I’d take any fight to be in the UFC. Menjivar is just one of those guys that win or lose, if I put on a great show, people will be like, ‘Wow, he’s up there.’ I felt like it was a win-win. There was no hesitation to fight Menjivar.”
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