Edgar Chairez frustrated with preliminary spot at Noche UFC 4
The Mexican flyweight believes he deserves more recognition from the UFC after being placed on the preliminary card once again.
Edgar Chairez is not happy about fighting on the preliminary card at Noche UFC 4. Set to face Tim Elliott on Saturday, the Mexican flyweight believes his experience and ability to draw fans should have earned him a higher spot on the card. Chairez also criticized the fact that Tommy McMillen, who has fought only twice in the UFC, was placed on the main card against Marwan Rahiki, suggesting that the promotion should appreciate him more.
Edgar Chairez Questions UFC's Decision
Chairez has been competing in the UFC since 2023 and is about to make his eighth appearance in the organization. McMillen, meanwhile, has only two UFC fights and is already set to compete on the main card. For Chairez, that is a sign that he is underappreciated by the promotion. Speaking to Hablemos MMA, “Puro Chicali” also pointed to the fact that he is Mexican while McMillen is not.
"For this card, but in other cards in Mexico, I've been on the prelims and others on the main card, too," Chairez began. "I put (McMillen) as example because he's a debutant basically. He's got one fight, and I have seven. I'm Mexican."
Chairez also noted that he has previously been moved to the main card shortly before events, suggesting that the UFC is aware of his value to its Mexican audience.
"I'm mentioning him, but in other events I've also been on the prelims," Chairez said. "There were two events where last minute I was promoted. I sell a ton of tickets."
Edgar Chairez Expects Strong Support in Glendale
Born in Mexico, Chairez also highlighted his connection to the local fan base. According to Puro Chicali, his family has ties to Phoenix, which neighbors Glendale, where the event will take place. As Noche UFC has the objective of celebrating Mexican Independence Day, Chairez is confident that he will draw a large crowd. In the end, Puro Chicali did not hide his frustration with the situation.
"My family is from Mexicali and Phoenix. It's going to get packed," Chairez said. "They know how many tickets I sell because they use my link. They know statistically I pull numbers. But whatever, I'm going in there to fight and win and see what happens. It does bother me a lot. I feel very underappreciated by the company."
Despite his frustration, Chairez remains focused on Saturday’s fight. A win over the experienced Elliott would give him another opportunity to make his case for a more prominent position on future UFC cards.
