Chris Cariaso Is Determined to Capitalize on Dream Opportunity at UFC 178

Chris "Kamikaze" Cariaso doesn't pay any mind to the odds going into a fight.

It would be impossible for the 33-year-old Californian to escape the fact he's a heavy underdog going into his flyweight title tilt with champion Demetrious Johnson at UFC 178, but Cariaso knows those particular elements have nothing to do with what happens in the Octagon. He's been slinging leather for the better part of a decade, and if a lengthy career in mixed martial arts has taught him anything, it's that nothing is ever guaranteed when the cage door closes.

The essence of the sport is being able to find opportunity within the chaos, and Kamikaze has been as opportunistic as they come as of late. The scrappy veteran knew he was making ground in the flyweight ranks on the strength of a three-fight win streak, and when the UFC called offering a shot at the 125-pound strap, he didn't hesitate to take it.

Johnson has looked unbeatable in his past four outings, but that didn't deter the surging contender in the slightest. 

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Every fight brings a different set of challenges, and getting to solve the puzzle Mighty Mouse presents is one he's looking forward to. That said, Cariaso believes the current champion will have a few things of his own to figure out as well. He knows the critics are always going to be there, but those things won't obstruct him from chasing down the biggest moment of his MMA career.

"This is a great opportunity for me, and I feel awesome," Cariaso told Bleacher Report. "We are both in our primes, and it's going to be a great fight. I think we both present interesting issues for the other to solve, and it's going to come down to who can figure out the other fighter faster.  

"Winning a title has always been one of my goals. It was a dream of mine just to get the opportunity to fight for it; now I have another goal to go out there and win it. Once the shot came my way, I definitely felt like it was my destiny. It's my time.

"I guess a lot of people had things to say once it was announced that I got the fight, but I don't listen to those things," he added in regard to those who criticized him getting a title shot. "Our division is kind of in a strange place where it's the same guys beating up everybody, and I think it's great I got that shot. I'm definitely looking to make the most of this opportunity."  

Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.