Drew Dober Rekindles Passion for UFC Ahead of Vancouver Fight

Longtime UFC lightweight fighter Drew Dober is reviving his career ahead of his upcoming match at UFC Fight Night 261. He faces Kyle Prepolec in Vancouver, aiming to overcome a challenging period in his career marked by three consecutive losses.
Drew Dober’s Career Challenges
Dober’s recent performance has raised concerns. Currently, he has a record of 27 wins and 15 losses, with 13 of those victories coming in the UFC. His recent streak of defeats has not only been discouraging but represents the worst stretch of his career.
- Current Record: 27-15 MMA, 13-11 UFC
- Recent Performance: 6-6 since 2020
- Recent Fights: Lost three straight matches
- Awards: 7 post-fight bonuses during his career
Upcoming Fight
On Saturday, Dober is set to compete against Kyle Prepolec, who holds a record of 18 wins and 9 losses but is winless in the UFC. Dober enters this matchup as a significant favorite, with betting odds in his favor at roughly 5-1.
Changing Mentality
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Dober admits that the pressure he placed on himself contributed to his performance issues. “The pressure was taken off,” he remarked. He emphasized a return to his roots, reminding himself of the joy he found in fighting.
- Previous Streak: 8-2 run after a similar situation earlier in his career
- Losses to Elite Fighters: Including former champion Islam Makhachev
Finding Enjoyment
Dober is focused on transforming his mindset. He expressed a desire to recapture the enjoyment of fighting, describing it previously as a hobby before he approached it as a job. This renewed perspective is crucial for his performance in the octagon.
As he prepares for his fight in Vancouver, Dober is ready to demonstrate his skills and potentially turn his career around, starting with this upcoming bout.