UFC Veteran Chris Wade Thinks He’s Built to Excel in PFL’s Regular Season, Playoff Format
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight Chris Wade was one of numerous fighters released by that organization in the past year. While that is not unusual, Wade's case was surprising, since he was coming off a win against Frankie Perez at UFC on Fox 25 last July and had a 5-2 overall record with the promotion. After nearly a year off, Wade now prepares to make his debut at his new home, Professional Fighters League. The 30 year-old will attempt to notch his 13th career victory when he faces Natan Schulte (11-3) at PFL 2 in Chicago this Thursday.
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"What has me most amped up is the endgame which is that $1 million prize,” Wade said, “But I take a lot of pride in being able to be one of the guys that was here at the start of this thing, and help build and promote it."
Even though the large purse might put pressure on some fighters, Wade claims it will not affect his nerves, and that he plans take the season one fight at a time.
"[I’ve] got to get my check for this fight, got to get paid now," Wade joked.
Wade believes that PFL's season format requires fighters to have a different approach to training as well as fights, since they will need to compete every six weeks during the regular season, and then prepare for the playoffs. Wade asserts that fighters with a wrestling background such as himself will have a better chance of getting through those fights with less substantial damage, and conserve the necessary energy to excel in the deeper stages.
"I’ve got to draw on my wrestling experience." Wade said. "You would be competing every 40 minutes, four or five times a day. You also have to make weight every day, you’ve got to be ready to wrestle almost weekly, twice or three times a week."
PFL 2 will air live on NBCSN on Thursday.
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