Dubai-based Mounir Lazzez refocused and ready for long-awaited UFC return
Tunisian has waited 15 months to get back into the octagon, where he faces Ange Loosa in Las Vegas this weekend Finally, after 15 months and cancelled bouts and replacement rivals, Mounir Lazzez is back competing in the UFC. The road to his return has been long, with a succession of bumps along the way, but on Sunday morning the Dubai-based welterweight takes on Ange Loosa at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Understandably, what’s gone before — Lazzez’s US debut last July was scuppered by visa issues, while Loosa was an 11th-hour stand-in this week — has only added fuel to the fire. “It gives you more hunger, it gives you more appreciation for the opportunity you get after a long time, for sure,” Lazzez tells The National from his hotel room Stateside. “It feels good, man. It’s been a long journey and I’m so grateful and happy to get the opportunity to be here in Las Vegas. “Different place, different atmosphere. New energy.” Lazzez’s last appearance in the UFC — his second — came in...