Tanner Boser Just Wants To Have A Blast

“I guess I’m established,” he said. “And when you say people see my name and they know it, I’m more well-known because UFC is, of course, the biggest promotion in the world, but also the main one people pay attention to in North America. A lot of the ones I fought for all over the world, I would maybe get recognized in other places, but not as much here. So yeah, it does feel like I’m established. I’m doing well, so far, but I gotta keep it going. I gotta keep winning more than I lose in order to stay established.”

Following a 1-1 start to his stay in the big show, Boser scored a pair of knockouts over Philipe Lins and Raphael Pessoa that showed off his unique skill set among the big men. Sure, he’s got the “Bulldozer” nickname, but he’s not running through people recklessly, using size and strength to, well, “bulldoze” people. At 6-2, 235, that’s not going to happen in the heavyweight division. Instead, he’s got to use smarts, speed and technique to get the job done.

MORE UFC VEGAS 13: Fighters On The Rise | Claudia Gadelha’s Challenge | Yan Xiaonan Ready | Fight By Fight Preview | The Rise of Thiago Santos | Fighter Timeline: Andrei Arlovski | UFC Fantasy – Significant Stats | Ian Heinisch’s Level

“I don’t have an athleticism, strength and power advantage over most guys,” said Boser, who has nonetheless ended 12 of his 19 wins by knockout or submission. “I’ve always had to use game planning and technique. I weigh 235 pounds; I’ve never been a titan of a heavyweight. So I’ve never been able to be an explosive, athletic guy who can get by on that. I’ve always had to be better than the other guy. So it’s been different for me.”

Different doesn’t mean bad, though, and Boser seems to have found his groove a year into his stay in the Octagon. And while he’s fought UFC level competition before, it’s a lot different doing it in the actual show. Again, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. In fact, Boser feels some of his success can be attributed to having things in order that you usually don’t think about when it comes to a prizefight.