Louis Smolka Committed to Remaining at Bantamweight Heading into UFC Vancouver

Louis Smolka will return to the Octagon for the second time in 2019 at UFC Fight Night 158 in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday.

When he makes the walk, he will do so at bantamweight for the second fight in a row. Although flyweight seems to have new life in the UFC, Smolka is committed to fighting at bantamweight.

“I talked about it a few times, and the last time I made 125, I had a tough time doing it. I don’t want to go back to flyweight right now. Just focused on being the best bantamweight I can. I am gaining a bit more weight,” Smolka said to Sherdog.com. “I’m working with people to get me bigger and stronger. That Matt Schnell fight was not an ideal camp. I blew out my knee like eight weeks before, so that hindered me gaining weight and training.”

Smolka knows he still is undersized for the division. But, he suspects being smaller will give him a cardio advantage and plans on breaking Ryan MacDonald on Saturday. He knows how important a win is, given he has been cut from the promotion in the past.

“I really want this win. I’m willing to do a lot to get this win. I just came down from Big Bear, spent a week there in high altitude to help me prepare. I’m working hard for this and doing everything I can to win. It really could go anywhere,” he explained. "I’m looking to capitalize, hopefully my cardio will be a factor. Just push the pace and break him and get the win.”