LAS VEGAS – Viacheslav Borshchev is not ignorant to the realities of his situation ahead of UFC Fight Night 224, but he’s not letting it damper his spirits.

Borshchev (6-3 MMA, 1-2 UFC) is in a positive mood ahead of Saturday’s lightweight showdown with Hayisaer Maheshate (7-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), which takes place at the UFC Apex and streams on ESPN+.

After opening his UFC tenure in January 2022 with a first-round knockout win, Borshchev has since lost back-to-back fights. He’s now on the final fight of his first contract with the promotion, and knows he needs to perform to extend his stay.

“If you talk about the business part yes, I must (win),” Borshchev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 224 media day. “It’s clear because I need a new contract. I want to earn more money. I need a bonus. It makes sense. But it’s not pressure for me. I’m enjoying my life right now.”

Borshchev’s past two defeats against Mike Davis and Marc Diakiese were a product of inferior grappling and defensive wrestling. He was taken down a combined 20 times in the two bouts, and gave up more than 20 minutes of control time to his opponents out of a possible 30 minutes overall.

UFC Fight Night 224 will mark just the 10th professional fight for the 31-year-old, who crossed over to MMA from the world of kickboxing. He admits it’s been a hard adjustment on the biggest stage the sport has to offer, but Borshchev is relishing his journey rather than being frustrated by the difficult moments.

“It’s challenging but it’s cool,” Borshchev said. “Not many people have such a beautiful opportunity. I’m learning from the best right away. It’s kind of cool. I’m enjoying it.

“In kickboxing that’s what happened to me. I stopped being excited about new stuff. But in MMA it’s always something new, and it’s so cool. Even in striking it’s something new.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 224.