A. Arroyo is looking for his first victory in Ultimate. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Brazilian representative in the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg.) of Ultimate, Antonio Arroyo You are ready for your next appointment with the organization. Pressured for his first victory in the company, the athlete faces the 'Knockout Man', from 2020, Joaquin buckley, this Saturday (18), at UFC Las Vegas 37. Before the commitment, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about expectations for the confrontation.
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Considered a Brazilian promise in the company, Arroyo is close to completing two years in the UFC. In order to avoid the risk of dismissal, after two stumbles in his initial duels, the athlete guarantees total focus when analyzing the duel.
Initial stumbles
With a winning record, Antônio got his contract with Ultimate after putting on a show on the 'Contender Series' in 2019, when he submitted Stephen Regman in the second round. The athlete, however, was unable to repeat his good performances when he played professionally for the organization. Arroyo then described the reasons why he hasn't yet taken off in the UFC.
“In my first two fights I trained leaving Belém (PA). There, I have great coaches and some good training partners, but the climate factor is something that hinders and limits me a lot, because we are in the 'Heart of the Amazon', with a very atypical climate. How to find a place where the climate is humid, warm, rich in oxygen. My (first) fight was in São Paulo, the other in Las Vegas, which is at altitude, I felt the gas. There was no reason (for the defeat), because I trained a lot for these two fights. I had a physical trainer, I had sessions three times a week. I see no explanation for my gas being consumed so quickly. Now, I'm doing camp (training period) in the United States again. It's the same place I trained for the 'Contender Series', where I was able to perform well. It will be different. It won't be the Antonio Arroyo of the first two fights in the UFC”, explained the middleweight.
Risk of dismissal
Even though he is confident of a great performance this weekend, Arroyo understands that he enters the Octagon under pressure for a positive result. The athlete then spoke about the extra motivation for the duel and, consequently, avoiding the risk of being placed on the feared layoff list.
“There is pressure, because I lost the first two. I have to chase it. If I lose this one, I'll have a noose around my neck, who knows, I might even be fired. For me, it's win or win. I certainly spared no effort in this camp to be as prepared as possible and do my job. We feel pressure, but when you step into the Octagon, you forget everything,” he said.
Fight analysis
To win again, Arroyo will need to overcome a name that was marked in the 2020 season. In October, Joaquin buckley made history by achieving one of the most beautiful knockouts in the organization's recent history. With similar styles, Antônio does not hide his excitement for the duel.
“I believe it will be a good fight to watch, lively. We're going to collide head-on and I have an advantage on the ground, in the jiu-jitsu part. Even though Buckley got that knockout with a kick, he uses his arm more. If I can take the fight to the ground, I can have a good advantage,” he said.
Fans, keep an eye out
Focused on overcoming the adversities encountered in the UFC, Arroyo calls on the fans for his Saturday commitment. As a special ingredient, the Brazilian guarantees a show for spectators.
“I believe the fight will be lively. These are two guys who like striking. Every time I've fought with guys who like striking, I've ended up with the advantage, because that's the part I like the most. In this fight, with him having that style, it's going to be exciting. You can expect a submission or knockout,” he concluded.
Athletes' history
Professional in MMA since 2014, Antônio is heading towards his 14th commitment in the sport. Today, the 32-year-old Brazilian has nine triumphs and four setbacks in the sport.
Also in the sport since 2014, Buckley will make his 17th clash. Coming off a defeat, the American has 12 positive results and four negative results in his career.
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