Tim Boetsch Not Taking Costa Philippou Lightly (VIDEO)

UFC middleweight Tim Boetsch has been on a tear since moving down to 185 pounds after a relatively successful run at light heavyweight. “The Barbarian” is 4-0 since shedding the extra baggage, beating the likes of Kendall Grove, Yushin Okami, and Hector Lombard.

Boetsch was poised for a showdown with fellow contender Chris Weidman at UFC 155 in a bout linked to a likely title-shot, but the injury bug unfortunately struck and caused Costa Philippou to be tabbed as a replacement in the December 29 tilt. Regardless of the change, Boetsch is still taking the scrap seriously and understands it’s just as important a fight for him to win as the one he’d previously been paired in…

“It’s definitely been a good year. I definitely made the right choice dropping down to middleweight…it’s definitely been successful and I’m looking to end the year strong with another win.”

“Obviously on paper it’s not as big a fight as Weidman was…a Weidman fight would have certainly established a #1 contender. Maybe this fight doesn’t carry that same weight but I go into every fight with the intention, the 100% dedication to that opponent, and (Philippou) is certainly not anyone to be taken lightly.”

Check out the interview with Boetsch below:

SOURCE: INSIDE MMA
PHOTO CREDIT: UFC