After his 3rd round TKO stoppage of UFC vet Che Mills many expected Cathal Pendred to be whisked away by the UFC’s black helicopters hovering outside the venue when the two met at CageWarriors 55 earlier this year. Unfortunately for the Irishman the black helicopters were not waiting when he snuck out of the venue with the title belt around his shoulders nor did they beat a path to his door several days later.
Rather than rest on his laurels Pendred has today made his way over to the TUF try outs for the middleweight category in Indianapolis which alongside a select group of 205ers will hopefully feature in Season 19 of the popular reality series. As a fighter consistently competing at welterweight it’s surprising why he would insist on trying out for a heavier division. The choice was an easy one according to Pendred “I just thought it would be a lot easier. I don’t think I’d be able to make weight for it three or four times in six weeks because I’m such a big welterweight I just don’t think I could do it right and it would affect me and I would suffer. I think middleweight in the Ultimate Fighter format would be the ideal weight for me. Looking at the guys who have been on the show it does seem to favour bigger guys in their weight class.”
On the topic of the his natural weight division most observers would agree that the welterweight roster is full to bursting. Pendred is keen to point out that he’s unfazed by what he sees as people who are merely taking up space: “I think a lot of those guys that are in there aren’t even as good as the guys I’ve fought in my last few fights. I’m happy to go in there and fight every month and hand out pink slips to most of them. There are guys who shouldn’t be there and I’d be happy to take care of the dead weight for the UFC.”
Known for his outspoken nature Pendred is keen to leave no doubt as to those on the roster he would happily clear out of the division “Amir Sadollah and Bradley Scott certainly. I wouldn’t consider him dead weight but Dan Hardy is someone I would love to fight! These are three guys I believe just aren’t at my level.”