NEW YORK – Sean Brady says he’s learned lessons from the past.
His relative quietness in a crowded welterweight division full of contenders clamoring for their crack at gold sticks out, particularly ahead of his UFC 322 bout Saturday at Madison Square Garden vs. Michael Morales. His laid back campaigning style is quite intentional, however.
“I had a point in my career where all I wanted was a title shot,” Brady told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I got the Belal (Muhammad) fight. I thought that was going to be the easiest fight of my career. I lost that fight. I was expecting to get a title shot after that. I’m not rushing things any more. Whatever happens happens. My path is my path. I’m going to go out there Saturday night and do my thing.
“If I get the title shot next, great. If not, I’m a fighter. I’m going to just keep fighting people until I’m undeniable and I get the shot. I don’t want to be one of those guys saying, ‘I deserve this. I deserve this.’ You earn what you get here. I’m going to go out here and earn my sh*t.”
The referenced Muhammad bout took place at UFC 280 in October 2022. Brady was finished by strikes in Round 2. Since then, Brady has won consecutive fights over Kelvin Gastelum, Gilbert Burns, and Leon Edwards. Brady plans to make Morales the fourth name on that list – and hopes that action speaks louder than any word would.
“He’s in the top 10,” Brady said. “There’s really nothing else for me. If this fight doesn’t happen, I’m probably not fighting until next year. I’m a fighter. Winning solves everything. I’m going to go out there on Saturday and whatever is next for me is next.”
As for who he could face for the title, Brady picked the underdog to win in Saturday’s main event between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena..
“I think Jack’s going to get it done,” Brady said. “I don’t know, man. It’s a tough fight. Then, Islam could go out there and submit him. I’m just looking forward to watching it. Hopefully UFC can let me get front row after I get a win.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Brady explains why he’s not thumping chest for UFC title shot
