EXCLUSIVE: Jai Herbert wants to emulate Thierry Henry and his sniper-like skills, when he clashes with Rolando Bedoya at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Tomorrow evening, the gifted competitor will go head-to-head with a tough Peruvian mixed martial artist, who’s capable of ending the fight with both his fists and dangerous submissions.
Jai Herbert wants to perform like Thierry Henry in his clash with Rolando Bedoya
When at his best, Herbert is a joy to watch in the cage. With remarkable technique, laser-like precision and an iron will to win, the Wolverhampton brawler is an undeniably gifted athlete, much like the great Henry, whom the MMA star believes is the footballer with the style most similar to his.
In an exclusive interview with Sporf, he said: “I’d say Thierry Henry. He was a sniper and he was silky, with really good skills. He was a sharpshooter.”
When asked if he wants to resemble the legendary Frenchman on Saturday night, the MMA star laughed: “Haha, I like that.”
But away from football, Herbert knows he has a very tough task ahead. But with awe-inspiring self-belief, he expects to get the job done in exemplary fashion.
The sportsman asserted: “Rolando is a good kid from Peru. It’s gonna be a good fight. I’m gonna go in there and just do me. When I’m on form, and I do what I do, he ain’t gonna get near me.
“So, I’m gonna go in there, stay disciplined and work the footwork, striking, grappling and everything. I’m just gonna flow with it.”
READ MORE: Tom Aspinall spoke to Noel Gallagher ahead of his Oasis-themed UFC 304 walkout
Jai Herbert is confident Leon Edwards will regain his title
During his rise up the MMA ranks from winning the Cage Warriors title to claiming UFC glory in Las Vegas, Herbert has worked alongside Leon Edwards.
Through thick and thin, the former welterweight champion has been by his side to give him advice. Therefore, while ‘Rocky’ lost his title to Belal Muhammad last Saturday, ‘The Black Country Banger’ is confident his friend can regain his crown.
He explained: “I watched the fight, and I was gutted for him. But I know Leon will 100% bounce back from this. I think he can get his title back.
“The geezer is always giving me advice with striking, grappling, wrestling and the mindset. He’s the role model in the camp; he’s the captain. During my training camp, if I need advice, I’ll message him, and he’ll always help me.”
Jai Herbert takes on Rolando Bedoya at UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: SANDHAGEN vs NURMAGOMEDOV on 3rd August on TNT Sports 1. TNT Sports is available through its streaming destination discovery+ and across all major TV platforms. See here for more information.
Featured Image Credit: Getty / Jai Herbert