Davi Ramos bets on victory over Islam Makhachev this Saturday: 'He's never faced someone like me'

D. Ramos in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc

O UFC 242, which takes place this Saturday (7), in Abu Dhabi, will bring with it a good opportunity for the Brazilian Davi ramos enter the elite of the lightweight division once and for all (up to 70,3kg). The fighter will face Russian Iran Makhachev (15th) and needs the victory to continue his journey towards a future title fight. In an interview with 'MMA Fighting' the athlete spoke about his expectations for the fight.

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“He’s never fought a guy like me. He faced good guys. He managed to knock out a good Brazilian (Gleison Tibau, in 2018), but he never faced someone like me. Let’s see what will happen there”, said the Brazilian.

Known for his great wrestling, Islam may be wary of using one of his main weapons against Ramos. The Rio native is known for his excellent jiu-jitsu, as well as being world champion at the ADCC, a famous tournament in the sport that takes place in Abu Dhabi, the same place where this weekend's event will be held. Davi then hopes that the Russian will make use of his main weapon, so that he can fight on the ground and achieve a possible submission.

“I definitely want him to take me to the ground. This is my house. I think he'll try that. I think he'll fight on his feet, but let's see. I prepared for everything. I prepared myself to be champion. I didn’t come here just to show my jiu-jitsu”, said the carioca.

The athlete, however, praised his opponent's ground work, but assured that Makhachev's skills cannot surpass his.

“He's great on the ground, but he can't beat me. I mean, I've been doing this (jiu-jitsu) since I was 11 years old. Okay, anything is possible. A fight is a fight. There are two people there, very prepared, but I don't think he could beat me on the ground”, concluded the fighter.

Davi ramos, 32 years old, debuted in the UFC in March 2017, when he was submitted by his compatriot Serginho Moraes. After the incident, the fighter performed on four more occasions, winning on all of them. In his last performance, the carioca hit Austin Hubbard, in May of this year.

The Brazilian's opponent, Islam, 27, is considered one of the promises for the future of Ultimate. Today, the Russian has 18 fights, with 17 victories and one setback. His only negative result was when Adriano Martins beat him, in October 2015.