UFC: James Vick feels he has had a 'harder road' than other UFC lightweights

James ‘The Texecutioner’ Vick is finally getting ready for his big moment as he get his first main event against #7 ranked lightweight and former WSOF lightweight champion Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje (18-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) at Fight Night 135 in Lincoln, Nebraska this weekend.

It certainly took long for Vick to reach at this point, keeping in mind his impressive record of 9-1 and that he has been fighting under the UFC banner for five years. Vick revealed that it was not just the time but other reasons outside the octagon namely a “horrible” contract from “The Ultimate Fighter,” two major surgeries and a full-time job he had to work.

“Some of these guys have never had a job in their whole life,” Vick told MMAjunkie. “So I feel like I’ve had the hard road. But I also feel that’s why I’m mentally stronger than all these guys.”

Vick feels his mental strength will give him the edge over always aggressive brawler Gaethje.

“Either two things are going to happen. Either he’s going to get knocked out real quick, or we’re going to go to war. But in my mind, I’m way mentally stronger than he is. I just don’t have to fight like that. So come fourth or fifth round, if I’m losing on those cards, you’re going to see who’s going to bite down on that mouthpiece and who’s the dog.”