T.J. Waldburger: To Win a Chess Match, You Have to Lose a Few Pieces

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In four UFC fights, T.J. Waldburger has only left the first round once.

Win or lose -- and he’s won three of four in the Octagon -- he doesn’t hesitate to go for the finish.

“I think I just play a game where I’m not afraid to take risks,” Waldburger told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Beatdown” show. “I’ve said this before, but it’s a chess match and sometimes you have to lose a few pieces to get what you want. I’m not afraid to take a risk and I think it puts on more of a show that way too.”

Waldburger, who has scored consecutive first-round submissions, will test his skills June 22 against Brian Ebersole at UFC on FX 4.

“He might want to stand with me,” Waldburger said. “He might want to take me down and try out my ground. I don’t know. The way I see it, I’m just ready for anything. I’m ready to react and adapt off the situations. No matter what, I’ll be ready for it and be ready to capitalize.”

Ebersole has won 10 straight, including three of three in the UFC. He’s beaten Chris Lytle, Dennis Hallman and Claude Patrick in the Octagon and names like Carlos Newton outside of it. For the 24-year-old Waldburger, Ebersole represents a significant step up in competition.

“He is a well-seasoned veteran of the sport,” Waldburger said. “He brings every aspect to the game. He’s definitely a level up, and that’s what I’m looking for, is that next level in the UFC. I’m excited. I think he’s good, but I think I’m better. I’m going to go out there and do what it takes to win, whether it’s Fight of the Night, Submission of the Night or Knockout of the Night.”

Listen to the full interview (beginning at 45:45).