Jeremiah Wells is set to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 330, and it's a special one for the Philadelphia native. While any fight is special for a fighter, Wells' homecoming carries an added layer of significance. As he prepares to step into the cage against Myktybek Orolbai, Wells is aware of the responsibility that comes with being the main event in his hometown. "Oh, it means a lot, man," he told UFC.com. "It's like a dream come true. I always wanted to fight in Philly. The last time they came here, I watched. I watched them fight, and I was like, 'I'm gonna fight here one day. And yeah, dream come true.'... We're all die-hard fans, and when we win, they go crazy. They have to grease up the poles, so they're gonna grease up the poles this weekend."
This fight holds a special place in Wells' heart for several reasons. Firstly, it's a morale boost after a challenging period in his career. After capturing the CFFC welterweight title in 2019 and making his UFC debut the following year, Wells had a remarkable start with three stoppages in his first three fights. However, a rough patch followed, with back-to-back losses and an extended layoff due to injuries and canceled matchups. "It was really important," he admitted. "I was coming off a lot of trials and tribulations with injuries and being out for so long, and also coming off some losses. So yeah, just getting that win, it means a lot. That's why I had to bring the dog out of me."
The win over Themba Gorimbo was crucial for Wells, as it helped him overcome the frustration and baggage that had accumulated during his layoff. "I had to dig deep into myself, mentally, and just slow everything down, take my time and stuff," he explained. "And stop rushing – rushing training, rushing recovery, and everything, and worry about my nutrition and everything. So, once I got all that handled, everything fell into place."
The fight against Orolbai presents an opportunity for Wells to showcase his skills and deliver an exciting performance for his hometown crowd. "Oh man, he's a dog," Wells said of his opponent. "He brings it, and so do I. So we're gonna collide. He's a good fighter."
While Wells has the skills and determination to win, he remains cautious, acknowledging that anything can happen in the Octagon. "You never know, man," he said. "With these fights, you could say, 'Oh, I'm gonna knock him out, or I could say, 'I'm gonna submit him,' and then it goes to a decision, you know? But I know that it's gonna be fireworks, and if I get my hands around him, he might go to sleep. If I connect really nice, he's gonna he's gonna sleep. So yeah, no matter what, I'm getting my hand raised."
As Wells steps back into the Octagon, he carries the weight of his hometown's expectations on his shoulders. But with his renewed focus and determination, he is ready to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that will make his hometown proud. 'When we win, they go crazy,' he said, and with his recent form, it's a promise he's determined to keep.
