After going nearly a year without a match, the 12-3 lightweight will finally return to the Octagon on Saturday when he faces undefeated Nurullo Aliyev. For Davis, the opponent was practically irrelevant. He just wanted a chance to compete again.
“That was the first name that was thrown on the table,” Davis said. “I’ve never said no. I literally just want to fight. I’ve been waiting a whole year for a name, and now that I finally got it, if I say no, what are the chances I’ll wait any longer? Whoever it is, I have to go.”
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This mindset has defined Davis throughout his UFC career. Despite injuries and health complications that have repeatedly hampered his momentum, he remains willing to face anyone the promotion throws at him.
However, inaction was the most difficult challenge.
“Mentally it’s frustrating,” Davis said. “I know I’m not the healthiest person. I’m cursed with internal issues and all this bullshit that makes it really hard for me to stay healthy enough to fight that often. But I’m healthy enough to fight most of the year and I’m just waiting for names.”