Some individuals grow up wanting to fight while others grow up fighting.
UFC bantamweight Roland Delorme falls in the latter category.
“Fighting was just something I did growing up,” Delorme told Bleacher Report. “It got me in a lot of trouble too.”
“Finally my parents had enough and they started taking me to classes so that my fighting was structured. I got my black belt and started training in jiu-jitsu, boxing, and wrestling. At that time, the first UFC was coming out and I knew it was something I wanted to do,” said Delorme. “I wanted to fight in a cage.”
After coming out on top in six of his first seven fights, Delorme was on his way to the Ultimate Fighter house to take part in Season 14.
After being selected by Team Miller, Delorme was eliminated from competition after falling to TJ Dillashaw via second-round submission.
However, the knowledge and insight gained was more than enough for Delorme to be content with despite not reaching the finals.
“Just being in the house was an unreal experience. The best part was never having an easy day. You were always going up against someone new and they were bringing their best that day,” said Delorme. “I learned so many new things and the experience was more than worth it.”
Delorme did enough to catch the eye of UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, as he was slated to meet Josh Ferguson at the Season 14 finale.
After a hard-fought bout, Delorme was able to capture his first true win inside the Octagon, as he submitted Ferguson via rear-naked choke.
The best part of it all—Delorme finally was the one to be interviewed by UFC color commentator Joe Rogan after watching hundreds of post-fight interviews over the years.
“The craziest part was standing beside Joe Rogan after my win. It was pretty surreal. You’re so used to seeing other guys be interviewed and then all of a sudden you’re the one being interviewed. It was a pretty amazing experience,” said Delorme.
Delorme has hopes of meeting Rogan yet again, as he’ll be squaring off with fellow bantamweight, Nick Denis, at UFC on FOX 3.
Denis is also coming off his first win inside the Octagon after knocking out Joseph Sandoval in a matter of 22 seconds at UFC on FX just a little over three months ago.
“Nick has definitely got some power. He brings it every time and he’s got some good wrestling as well. Overall, I think I’m probably the better wrestler but not by much. This is going to be a battle. We’re both finishers and we don’t see the judges very often,” said Delorme. “I don’t expect to see them in this fight either.”
While Delorme is unsure of exactly how his bout will play out, he promises one thing.
Blood.
“I’m going to be in his face and make it hurt. This bout is going to be bloody. Everybody wants to see blood so I’m going to give it to them,” said Delorme.
“This is going to be a bloody and greasy fight.”
All quotes were obtained first-hand.
For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.
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