Chris Gutierrez unfazed by late-notice opponent change ahead of UFC on ESPN 61

LAS VEGAS – Chris Gutierrez is simply completely happy to be preventing this weekend.

Gutierrez’s return this Saturday at UFC on ESPN 61 – which marks his first bout of 2024 – nearly obtained canceled, as his authentic struggle in opposition to Javid Basharat fell via simply days earlier than the occasion. Fortunately for Gutierrez (20-6-2 MMA, 8-3-1 UFC), the UFC discovered a substitute in undefeated LFA standout Quang Le.

“I’m completely happy to have an opponent as a result of I believe one or two extra days later it might’ve gotten scratched, and it already obtained pushed again per week earlier than that, so I used to be excited,” Gutierrez mentioned at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 61 media day. “He stepped up, and at this level, it doesn’t matter who it’s.”

Gutierrez admits he doesn’t know a lot about Le, provided that the reserving was introduced on Tuesday. However from what little he is aware of, he’s been impressed by the Vietnamese fighter.

“8-0, very younger within the sport, however you understand, he’s obtained expertise,” Gutierrez mentioned. “He’s obtained a superb proper hand. I don’t know a lot about him. He comes from different organizations and has been working his means up, and he obtained the decision, so let’s see what he’s about.”

So far as the technique is anxious, Gutierrez doesn’t assume a lot has modified for him, regardless of preventing a distinct type. On the finish of the day, a struggle is a struggle.

“I imply, it’s a struggle,” Gutierrez defined. “It’s one-twos, takedowns, kicks, it’s type of all the identical. I simply imagine in my coaching and what I’m able to. That’s how I put together.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 61.