UFC’s John Castaneda talks Eddie Wineland win, stacked 135 division
John Castaneda was victorious in his last appearance, taking on former WEC & UFC mainstay, Eddie Wineland. The 29 year old took a decision loss home in his UFC debut against Nathanial Wood this past summer, but it would not become two in a row for “Sexi Mexi.”
“It was honestly surreal,” Castaneda told MyMMANews. “My UFC entry has been nothing but good competition, my debut against Nathanial Wood, right back to it with Eddie Wineland. No one wants to start their UFC career 0-2,” Castaneda continued. “Also it is Eddie Wineland, I grew up watching Eddie Wineland in High School and College, any non casual knows who he is.”
Castaneda was forced to separate the aura of Eddie Wineland, and his extensive bantamweight resume, from the fighter standing across the cage from him. He was able to do so, putting Wineland away in the very first round.
“Realistically, I knew, I’m fighting 36 year old Eddie Wineland,” Castaneda explained. “A veteran of the sport but I’m a dog, I felt advantages, I knew I’d have some strengths. I knew right away I’m just fighting Eddie Wineland not legend Eddie Wineland.”
As for what the future could hold, in the ever packed 135lb division, whom some would argue is the best division in the UFC at the moment, Castaneda is excited to play matchmaker.
“It’s exciting and scary at the same time,” Castaneda stated. “135 runs deep, 155 is next in line, it is an honor [to be in the division], I have a lot left to prove,” Castaneda continued. “Let’s be honest he’s [Wineland] not a top 15 guy, I’m willing to work my way up to prove myself.”
Catch the full interview linked above.
