ATLANTA – Despite not being under the best circumstances, Jose Ochoa feels excitement, not pressure, ahead of his UFC return.

The Peruvian prospect is set to take on veteran Cody Durden on the preliminary card of UFC on ESPN 69 (ESPN, ESPN+), which takes place Saturday at State Farm Arena. Ochoa (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) debuted for the promotion last November, losing a decision to Lone'er Kavanagh, which marked his first professional defeat. It was a tough pill to swallow but one that provided Ochoa valuable lessons.

Advertisement

"The truth is that the loss was very tough to deal with," Ochoa told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. "It was my first loss, and it happened in the UFC. I took it calmly, but I did cry a lot, and then I just focused on what I need to improve, and I'm going to show everything I worked in my camp this Saturday against Cody Durden."

Taking on a veteran like Durden (17-7-1 MMA, 6-5-1 UFC) and coming off a defeat, one would think Ochoa would be feeling pressure ahead of UFC on ESPN 69. But that's not the case.

"No, it doesn't pressure me," Ochoa explained. "It actually gives me confidence. It gives me more confidence because it got me to work on what I needed to work, and I'm going to what's needed to get the victory this time around."

Ochoa is aiming to stop Durden this Saturday, but knows how durable his foe is. He's going to go for the finish or put on a war Chute-Box style.

Advertisement

"I want to finish the fight by KO, TKO or even submission, which would be ideal, but I'm also prepared for 15 minutes of war," Ochoa said. "I'm ready to give and take damage. Nobody is untouchable in fighting. Like we say in Chute Box, 'They can hit us, but let's see if they can take it back.'"

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ochoa 'cried a lot' after debut loss, vows to win at UFC Atlanta