Ryan Hall Believes He Has To Be Better Than Ever To Beat Darren Elkins at UFC Sacramento
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Although it was a surreal moment to submit a legend like Penn, Hall knows it is back to work on Saturday. Elkins is a ranked opponent, which is exactly the type of matchup Hall sought.
“Absolutely, this is an opponent that every fighter wants is fighting someone in the rankings. And, he is a tough, tough opponent,” Hall said to Sherdog.com. “I feel fortunate to face guys like B.J. Penn, Artem Lobov, and Grey Maynard, but now it is better to face guy with a number beside their name that I can take away. It is cool to fight a guy like Darren Elkins who is a name and a super tough opponent.”
As usual, Hall’s path to victory is centered on his jiu-jitsu. The 34-year-old admits “The Damage” will be a tough person to submit but is confident in his abilities.
“Darren is tough all around. I know I can submit anyone and finish anyone,” he explained. “I’ve been working a lot on my striking and improving as an all-around mixed martial artist, which is important to me. I am confident in my abilities to control the fight and end the fight.”
Hall hopes to become more active in the promotion with a victory over Elkins. He isn’t sure why people turn fights against him, but it is likely due to his high-level grappling. Regardless, he must first beat Elkins before focusing on any future plans.
“I just control myself and my abilities. Darren can approach this fight many different ways, but I am unique enough that you never know what can happen,” he said. “I just look forward to being able to share the Octagon with him. I’m going to have to be better than I ever had.”
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