By Lucas Grandsire

LFA bantamweight champion and FloCombat No. 1 bantamweight prospect Ricky Simon had the biggest opportunity of his career when he stepped up to face Donavon Frelow on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series in August 2017.

The fight went all three rounds, as Simon did his best to show off his abilities in front of the UFC president and company. While Simon won the fight by split decision in a hard-fought affair, it wasn't the perfect situation or performance in his eyes. 

“It was a great experience, but it was a three-week notice thing, so it was kind of rushed,” Simon told FloCombat. “I'm grateful for the experience. It was kind of cool getting to fight—walking through those doors from when I grew up watching 'The Ultimate Fighter.' 

"Some of my favorite fighters walked through those doors and competed in that venue. It was surreal.”

Unfortunately for Simon, he wasn't offered a UFC contract after the win, and the show instead chose two other prospects.

Simon then signed with LFA, where he debuted against UFC veteran Chico Camus in December for the vacant bantamweight title.

Simon outclassed Camus to win the fight via unanimous decision, cementing his place at the top of the division.

“It was a dream come true because I have certain goals I set for myself in this sport, and winning a world title was one of them,” Simon said. “LFA is a great promotion. It was the right opponent, eight-time UFC veteran. Just knowing that I'm doing everything right and being able to check off one of those goals from my list... It was a great feeling.”

Now set to defend his title for the first time Saturday at LFA 36 vs. Vinicius Zani, Simon has spent a few weeks training in Hawaii. 

“This is something I've been doing in the past year now," Simon said. “One of my main training partners Tyson Nam moved back home to Hawaii a little over a year ago. He's been flying me out when he has training camps and then when I'm in training, I fly out there. 

"I did the first bit [of camp] in Portland, a few weeks in Hawaii, and now I'm back in Portland to finish off camp." 

Training in Hawaii, Simon says, is exactly what you’d expect: ass-kicking and relaxing.

“I love it,” Simon said. “It's definitely different. We get to go train hard in the morning, we get to relax at the beach right after, and then we go train hard at night. It's not too bad. It's all beating each other up and sandy beaches.”

Now taking on the Brazilian standout Zani, Simon feels he's entering the stage of his career where nothing comes easy and danger lurks around every corner. 

“At this point, I feel like all of my opponents are all going to be killers,” Simon said. “I think Zani is a killer. He's good on his feet and on the ground. But I'm confident in my abilities, especially after that last fight. I feel like I'm definitely in my element now. I'm comfortable in the cage. 

"I can go five rounds and he can't keep up with me.”

Simon believes his cardio will be the difference against an opponent who has a reputation for tiring as the fight wears on. 

“I think I match up great just because I'm someone who can push the pace,’" Simon said. “In some of the videos I've watched, he gasses early...

“He does well when he gets people moving back and throws those looping punches—he likes to use that front leg. He's good on the ground, and I'm a great wrestler, so I can't settle in certain positions. There's plenty I have to do, and I'm well prepared.”

While Zani poses a threat in several areas of the game, Simon expects nothing but domination and he's ready to take out another talented fighter in impressive fashion. 

“I honestly feel like this fight's going to play out a lot like the last fight with me pushing the pace and inflicting a lot of damage,” Simon said. “But this time, I'm coming for that finish.”