UFC flyweight Ode Osbourne speaks on self-sabotage

The fear of success is a powerful thing, UFC flyweight Ode Osbourne said. As you get closer to the top, the fall becomes greater. That’s why many people refuse to allow themselves to ever reach those heights.

“The idea of being successful becomes nonexistent in a way,” Osbourne told Fight Night Picks’ John Hyon Ko. “Internally, if we self-sabotage because it’s easier to deal with than the suffering or pain of getting let down again.”

Osbourne understanding this obstacle has allowed him to push past it, knocking out Jerome Rivera in 26 seconds in his last bout. With his first UFC victory behind him, Osbourne now makes the move down to flyweight to face Manel Kape at UFC 265 on Saturday, August 7, in Houston.

Osbourne spoke about overcoming his fears, his excitement for his upcoming bout and the state of the flyweight division in a 20-minute interview with JHK.

“When you finally get to the root of the problem, everything becomes much easier to handle,” Osbourne said.

Osbourne was originally slated to face ranked Amir Albazi. But Albazi withdrew with a concussion, setting up the bout with former RIZIN champ Kape.

The composed striking of Kape will be challenged, Osbourne said.

“He’s fast; he’s unpredictable,” Osbourne (9-3) said of his opponent (15-6). “I believe it’s going to be a war.”

Osbourne is supremely confident in his standup skills and plans to push forward to force out the attacks of Kape.

“I love a good test,” Osbourne said.

Looking forward, Osbourne has hopes of capturing a belt sooner than later. That’s a big reason he dropped to flyweight and got away from a stacked bantamweight division.

Said Osbourne: “I’d rather be on top longer than spending a lot longer getting to the top.”