John Castaneda admits he’s fighting for his job at UFC Winnipeg: ‘This is such a cutthroat industry’

John Castaneda knows UFC Winnipeg could be do-or-die for him.

Castaneda is set to end his nearly year-long layoff against Mark Vologdin, who’s making his UFC debut. Although Castaneda wanted to return sooner, he does believe the layoff has helped him get better.

“I’ve been training non-stop. I’ve been working on a lot of stuff, and I’m eager to show what I have been working on during my time off,” Castaneda said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com.

Once Castaneda got a fight offer, he wasn’t sure what to expect. But, he’s fighting a UFC newcomer, and Castaneda admits he isn’t the most familiar with him, but did get some insider info on him.

“Not the most familiar. When I got the contract and started studying him, I remember watching the Contender Series fight,” Castaneda added. “He’s durable, he’s a brawler, but I’m expecting to see a more polished guy here. … I think he is going to be less chaotic because that is how he has been until that fight.

“Now that he is in the UFC, he does have to be more polished. One of my main training partners did some cross-training in Vegas, and he actually trained with Vologdin, which was well before my fight with him was announced. He said he was trying to polish up his game. It’s not a style that is going to stick around in the UFC.”

John Castaneda eyes finish at UFC Winnipeg

Although Castaneda is confident he will beat Vologdin, he does know there is some added pressure on him. Castaneda is on a two-fight losing streak, and he believes he will be fighting for his job on Saturday.

“1000 percent. This is such a cutthroat industry, and a cutthroat division,” Castaneda said. “I feel that pressure, but I think I thrive under pressure with my back against the wall. Even though this is the first fight on my new contract, there is absolutely pressure.”

Ultimately, Castaneda expects to make a statement and finish Vologdin on Saturday to keep his job and prove there are levels to MMA.

“It depends on what Mark gives me,” Castaneda said. “If he fights as he did on the Contender Series, it won’t be good for him. Pressure fighter, shorter, and with a six-inch reach disadvantage, it’s going to be a long fight for him. I can finish this on the feet or the ground, but the avenues for me to win are a lot.”

If Castaneda does get his hand raised, he isn’t sure what is next for him. But, the focus is just on getting back into the win column.

“A win here doesn’t do anything. I’m expected to win this fight, in my opinion. It doesn’t do anything for my stock if I win, so I just have to prove a lot to myself here,” Castaneda concluded.

Do you think John Castaneda will beat Mark Vologdin at UFC Winnipeg?