Alex Caceres UK Exclusive: "I am Ready to Remind People I am Still Here"

Kingdom MMA Talk to Alex Caceres ahead of his Fight with Sergio Pettis

by Chris Marzella - @chrismarzella

There aren't many guys in the UFC bantamweight currently riding a four fight win streak, well, sort of.

There is, however, one man flying under the radar, piecing together a noce little run of form for himself.

Alex Caceres (9-5), better known to fans as Bruce Leeroy, is back in action at UFC on Fox 10 this coming Saturday night against the impressive Sergio Pettis (10-0).

Caceres is back for the first time since his split decision win over Roland Delorme at UFC 165 back in September.

He has pieced together a four fight win streak, well he would have had he not failed a post fight drug test at UFC on Fuel TV 8 in Japan last March resulting in his win over Kyung Ho Kang being overturned and being recorded as a no-contest.

Speaking to KingdomMMA.co.uk, Caceres said of his Pettis and his UFC debut: "I did not watch the fight so all I can expect from what I hear is a tough stand up guy."

"I'm never sure how it will end there are so many possibilities so I try to keep my options open, but as for advantages I believe length and experience would be my biggest."

The prospect of having a win against an up and comer like Pettis could very well be the fight Caceres needs to get more attention from both the UFC and the fans. Of the match up he said: "Well I'm never too sure, I will just do my best and let the UFC decide from there hopefully it will finally prove my worth to others but if not I still know my true value, what appeals to me is a chance to fight, it doesn't matter who.

"I feel like I'm always getting better in all areas as for this fight we just worked on becoming a better version of Alex."

As confident as he is in his own abilities Caceres does not seem the type to open his mouth and talk his way up the rankings. When asked where a win would leave him in the bantamweight rankings he said: "That is not my choice for I'm not the type to call out anyone so it truly depends on the UFC whether they want to keep me hidden or show me off.

"All I can do is keep performing well against whoever."

Coming off of the six month drug suspension in 2013 could very well have harmed not only Caceres standing in the division but his very spot on the roster. Caceres, however, was never fearful for his spot in the organisation and claims that he doesn't need to use the experience as motivation going forward.

He said: "There was no concern. I don't really care so much how I am ranked, as for the motivation it's life that drives me, nothing outside of myself can do the same."

His fight with Pettis will be Caceres first fight on US soil since he defeated Damacio Page back on July 2012. Returning to action in the USA may prove to be the fragment of motivation needed to extended the unbeaten run. Caceres said "Wow. I did not realise it's been that long but it feels good to bring it back to the States to give the people something to go crazy about, remind them that I am still here."

UFC on Fox 10 takes place January 25 from the United Centre, Chicago, Illinois.

Update on UFC on Fuel TV 8 Failed Drug Tests

Fighters respond to the news of failed drug tests at UFC on Fuel TV 8

by Ben Heather @benheather

Following the news released yesterday that both Alex Caceres and Riki Fukuda both failed drug tests at UFC on Fuel TV 8 both fighters have released statements.

Riki Fukuda who has been cut for his failed drug test by the UFC has responded by apologising on twitter and saying that an over the counter cold medication prompted his failed test for banned stimulants. The japanese fighter said that he took the medicine a few weeks before the fight and forgot to disclose this in his pre fight medical.

Alex Caceres also released a statement in which he said he takes full responsibilty for his failed drug test which has led to him receiving a six month suspension from fighting. Caceres also must undergo a drug rehabilitation and pass a drug test before he will be cleared to fight again.

Alex Caceres released the following statement to MMA Junkie.

"I accept full responsibility for my actions and the consequences from those actions. I apologise to all that I have disappointed, including the UFC, my family, coaches, training partners and fans. I accept the sanctions from the UFC and I look forward to completing the necessary steps to getting back in the octagon following the suspension and assuring that this never happens again"

Keep checking KingdomMMA for all of the latest news from the world of MMA.

Another failed drugs test on UFC on Fuel TV 8

UFC has suspended Alex Caceres after failed drugs test at UFC on Fuel TV 8

by Ben Heather @benheather

Alex "Bruce Leeroy" Caceres (8-5 MMA 2-3 UFC) has been suspended by the UFC for failing his drug test at UFC on Fuel TV 8.

UFC officials today announced that Caceres failed the drugs test due to traces of marijuana metabolites in his sample. With the lack of a governing body in place UFC officials oversaw the drug testing for the event in Japan.

Caceres has been suspended for six months and also ordered to attend drug rehabilitation classes and will need to pass a drug test before he's allowed to continue his career.

At the event in Japan Caceres earned a split decision win over Kyung Ho Kang, which marked the third straight win for Caceres. This result however has now been changed to a no contest.