Jimi Manuwa of the United States steps onto the scale during the UFC 204 weigh-in at the Manchester Central Convention Complex on October 7, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)
Jimi Manuwa is set to head the Ultimate Fighting Championship event in London on March 18 at the O2 Arena as he faces Corey Anderson and he is already eyeing a title shot, saying a win over Anderson would put him on a great spot for light heavyweight title contention.
Manuwa, who is a native of London, England, said it is "just right" that he headlines the UFC London event, saying he is the best mixed martial artists in town, Express reported. He added that having the chance of everybody seeing him knockout somebody in his hometown is something that is unparalleled.
'Poster Boy' is currently ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division and is coming off an impressive second round knockout against Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 204 in Oct. 2016 which earned him Performance of the Night honors. His performance that night bested fellow English fighter Michael Bisping who defended his title against Dan Henderson.
"The Ultimate Fighter 19" winner Anderson, meanwhile, is at eighth place in the division and is also on a high following his second round technical knockout victory against Sean O'Connell at UFC Fight Night 102 in Dec. 2016 in New York.
Manuwa told SB Nation's Bloody Elbow that he is pissed off since he misses his children and his hometown and said that Anderson will pay for all of it once they lock horns. The 36-year-old is focused to someday have the light heavyweight title under his belt that he wants Anthony Johnson as his next opponent instead of division champ Daniel Cormier.
Manuwa said that he prefers Johnson, whom he notes as an "exciting fighter," over Cormier who is a "boring" one. However, Manuwa believes that Cormier has the stamina and endurance to withstand 'Rumble' whom he faced in Sept. 2015 and suffered his second career loss.
Watch the video below of Manuwa's 2016 UFC highlights:
