“Everything just kept getting pushed back,” Means said. “This is just what I do though. This is my job. My motivation is the payment. It keeps roof over my head and food on my table. I make sure to always stay ready and not get too out of shape. Sitting here for the next nine months has been grueling.”
While he’s happy another payday is finally within striking distance, it’s a fight for pride as well; something Means doesn’t often focus on. Not only would a loss would be handing over the win bonus he and his family look forward to, but it would also be handing Ricky Rainey his first victory in the Octagon.
“Hell no,” Means said. “I don’t want to be his first win at all. This guy is catching the best version of me of all time. You have to take, take, take. My family has given a lot of their time, too, so that I can go out there and sweat, bleed and do what I love.”
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Still, he’s not overlooking Rainey.
“He’s big, strong and likes to clinch,” Means said. “This isn’t boxing where they pick a 1-15 guy to come fight the hometown guy so it’s a guaranteed win.
With a uniquely calm feeling before the fight, Means offers one last message to Rainey; a charmless apology.
“To be right up the street in Las Vegas like this, I’m ready to get back in there.” Means said. “I’ve got to go and take Christmas out of Rainey’s hands. Sorry but not sorry.”
Be sure to catch Means and Rainey as they clash on Friday, Nov 20 at 7 PST live from the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
