Jared Gordon is treating fighting like a business
The risk is not worth the reward for UFC’s Jared Gordon.
Gordon turned down a fight with Sean Woodson after his original opponent Matt Sayles pulled out of the May 16 bout in Jacksonville, Fla. The 31-year-old told MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck he is waiting for a different opponent.
“I said no, I have to treat this like a business just like the UFC treats the business as a business,” Gordon said.
“In the past I’ve made some choices that I probably shouldn’t have as far as fighting certain guys, where I was taking risks.”
Longevity is what Gordon is after. The New York native is 1-3 in his last four fights. He most recently suffered a first-round knockout to Charles Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 164 in November 2019.
With six UFC bouts to his name, Gordon is seeking a more seasoned opponent. Woodson earned his spot in the octagon by knocking out Terrance McKinney with a flying knee on Dana White’s Contender Series in July 2019.
His UFC debut included a unanimous decision victory against Kyle Bochniak at UFC on ESPN 6 in October 2019.
With Woodson being 6-feet 2-inches, he is a much taller than Sayles. Woodson’s 78-inch reach is no help either. In comparison, Sayles is five-feet seven inches with a 67.5 reach.
“I don’t even know the time I sparred with someone who was six-foot three-inches,” Gordon said. “He’s [Woodson] dangerous, a great fighter, he’s got one UFC win, where if I win it’s like ‘OK, he has one UFC win, that’s what you’re supposed to do.’
“I’m not fighting for paychecks, I’m fighting to be successful and longevity, to get to the top.”
Being available
Gordon is returning to featherweight after almost three years. It is something he is taking into account when thinking about his next opponent for May 16.
Currently waiting for a name to fight, Jared Gordon is focusing on what he can control.
“I just want to stay in the moment, do what I can to get better, that’s all I can do,” Gordon said. “I want to fight, they want to put on fights. I’ve been willing this whole time to get in there.”
