Travis Browne is going into his upcoming fight against Derrick Lewis with a chip on his shoulder.
Lewis called "Hapa" out after finishing Shamil Abdurakhimov at UFC Fight Night 102 earlier this month, and the UFC granted his wish days later, booking the heavyweights for Feb. 11 at UFC 208 in Brooklyn. While such public challenges are commonplace - encouraged, even - Browne can't help but take issue with being targeted.
"He's looking up and down the top 10 for the easiest fight and choosing my name," Browne told ESPN's Brett Okamoto. "I don't know how much more personal it gets than that.
"I'm not usually one to talk trash, and I do respect him as a fighter, but you want to test yourself, buddy? I'm your man. I'll show you what this s--- is all about up here."
Lewis may not have thrown any shade Browne's way during his brief callout, but the Hawaiian anointing their meeting a grudge match of sorts isn't entirely surprising. While Lewis owns the heavyweight division's longest active winning streak with five consecutive victories, Browne's once-promising career has gone in the opposite direction, having dropped two straight and three of his last four.
The 34-year-old has been praised for his athletic gifts and criticized for his stunted growth in the Octagon in equal measure, but he promises to have put it all together by the time he meets Lewis in February.
"I didn't come from wrestling. I didn't come from boxing or kickboxing. These are my growing pains and you're seeing me develop on the biggest stage against the best of the best. I feel the best is yet to come. Keep doubting me. Please keep doubting me. I will give you something to be upset about if you doubt me."
