Shortly after the horrific acts of terrorism in Paris, French President Francois Hollande addressed his nation and French people throughout the world and simply made a plea: "Our duty is to get on with our lives."
UFC bantamweight Taylor Lapilus, who hails from a northeastern suburb of Paris, is heeding his call.
While neither Lapilus nor his family or friends were affected by the recent tragedies, he is ready to represent his nation this weekend at Fight Night: Magny vs. Gastelum in Monterrey, Mexico.
“Of course I want to represent my country, my family, my team, my friends (this weekend). It’s a real honor for me,” said the 23-year-old Lapilus at Ultimate Media Day Thursday in Monterrey.
“I’m ready for this fight. I’m proud to represent France. (My fans can expect) a good fight, a good finish.”
His rival this weekend, Monterrey-born Erik “Goyito” Perez, extends his deepest sympathies to the French people and promises an entertaining experience for his hometown fans and others abroad.
“We are all with France,” Perez said. “What happened over there is very difficult. But this is a sport and we are going to put on a good show, a good fight for Mexico and France.”
The bantamweight three round fight will headline the FOX Sports 1 Prelims, which get underway at 8 pm ET on FS1. Jorge A. Mondaca is the Managing Editor of UFC.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JorgeAMondaca
Fans voices come first
Favorite athlete? Fantasy match-ups? Comments? Leave 'em here!
