LAS VEGAS – Diego Ferreira doesn't see the end of the road, at least not yet.
The UFC lightweight veteran competes in his 27th professional fight this Saturday against Billy Quarantillo in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 284 (Paramount+), which takes place at the Meta APEX. Ferreira (20-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) has been competing for 15 years, turned 41 earlier this year, and is on a two-fight losing streak, with his most recent bout being a TKO stoppage loss. Yet, despite having the signs many consider to signal the end of a fighting career, Ferreira's fighting spirit still remains strong.
"I want to enjoy it," Ferreira told MMA Junkie and other media at Wednesday's UFC Fight Night 284 media day. "I'm not looking to retire yet. A lot of people have
been asking me that question, but right now I want to live the moment. I enjoy it here. I like to be a fighter. I like to be a professional fighter. It's something I took that far, and I never thought about having that kind of lifestyle. I want to enjoy it now, and I want to do things for me and have a purpose in my life. I want to do things for me, and I want to do this as long as I can."
Ferreira enters as a favorite against Quarantillo (20-8 MMA, 6-5 UFC), who's also on a two-fight losing streak. Although Ferreira is looking to use his experience in this bout, he's also not going to shy away from getting into a firefight – which has been part of his fighting identity in the UFC.
"It's be smarter, for sure I will, but you cannot change a warrior; you can't change a man who's been making his history like that long," Ferreira said. "I think the pressure is still going to be there. Going forward is the goal. Put the war like how I did with Anthony Pettis; it is the same goal. But yeah, be more seasoned, more patient, but I'm always looking for the finish. I'm always looking to bite my mouthpiece and move forward. I want to look for the finish in this one."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Diego Ferreira not thinking about retirement ahead of UFC Fight Night 284
