Pena says UFC forced his move back to lightweight
Luis Pena's experiment as a featherweight only lasted one fight, but it wasn't the 25-year-old's call to move up to the lightweight division.
"That was definitely the UFC's (decision)," Pena told theScore. "As much as I did want to stay at featherweight, I can't lie though, I've gotten a lot bigger since the last fight. This fight being at lightweight does kind of work out for me. I'm not necessarily mad about moving up."
The man known as "Violent Bob Ross" earned a victory over Steven Peterson at UFC Nashville in March as a featherweight but missed weight for that bout, coming in over the 146-pound limit at 148.5.
Pena (6-1) will look for his third UFC victory when he faces Matt Wiman - who hasn't competed since November 2014 - at UFC Greenville. Like many, Pena assumed The Ultimate Fighter 5 competitor had retired but he isn't underestimating the 35-year-old.
"I definitely looked him up, he seems to be a good fighter," Pena said. "He's real grindy, he likes to come forward and throw hands. He can do everything, you know what I'm saying? I'm prepared for a fight everywhere. ... I'm definitely looking to utilize my height and reach in this fight."
Wiman (16-7) last defeated Isaac Vallie-Flagg by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 57. "Handsome" has amassed a 10-5 record in the Octagon and has only been finished twice in his career. While Pena is expecting a war, he's hoping to end the fight early.
"We're probably going to meet in the middle and bang it out for three rounds," he said. "I'm hoping to get the knockout and take home some bonus money, as always. The worst thing to happen to me is getting the bonus money in my debut because now I'm chasing it."
UFC Greenville takes place June 22 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. The main event features featherweight standout Renato Moicano battling "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung.
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