Dalcha Lungiambula on UFC Debut: 'I'm Here to Change My Life and Nobody Can Stop Me'

African mixed martial artist Dalcha Lungiambula will make his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut this Saturday when he meets Dequan Townsend in a light heavyweight bout at UFC on ESPN 3. Lungiambula's UFC entrance was at risk of postponement after his original opponent, Justin Ledet, pulled out of their match earlier this week.

His new adversary, stepping in on very short notice, is also a UFC newcomer. Townsend hails from Lansing, Michigan, and owns a lengthy professional record of 21-8. "The Tarantula" has won his last two fights, with his most recent victory coming by way of first-round submission.

Lungiambula, 33, is riding a five-fight win streak and told the media this week that he was not deterred by the last minute change of opponent. "It doesn't affect me too much, because I'm ready," Lungiambula said to MMA Junkie. "I'm ready to face anyone, anytime, anywhere. That's me."

Before Townsend was chosen to step in, Lungiambula was nervous that his long-anticipated UFC entrance would be delayed. "All my fans [in] Africa they are waiting. That sheer excitement, I'm jumping into the UFC [for the] first time. And to hear there was no fight, that was bad. But, I'm so happy, and thanks for my opponent to accept to get my fight on short notice. I really appreciate [it]," explained the fighter.

"Champion" was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but trains out of South Africa. He is a judo specialist with a 9-1 MMA record and was both the heavyweight and light heavyweight champion of Africa's Extreme Fighting Championship. On Saturday night, Lungiambula is ready to make a statement in the Octagon.

"I'm here to change my life and nobody can stop me to change my life," Lungiambula declared. "I'm here like a true champion. I believe Africa is the king. I believe here also, I'll be the king. So, nothing can stop me to achieve my goal."

Lungiambula meets Townsend on the preliminary card of UFC on ESPN 3: Ngannou vs. Dos Santos. Both the main and prelim cards will air live on ESPN starting at 6 p.m. ET.