Tim Elliot shows confidence to beat Deiveson at UFC Tampa: 'He's slow, he can't touch me'

T. Elliot (left) in an interview with J. Rogan (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @awkward_mma

North American Tim Elliot will make his return to the octagon this Saturday (12), at UFC Tampa, in the United States, after almost two years of inactivity. The athlete will face the Brazilian Deiveson Figueiredo, third in the flyweight rankings (up to 56,7kg.) and who is going through a great phase in his career. Even knowing the qualities of the Pará native, Elliot shows confidence in victory. The athlete spoke about the fight in an interview with 'Sherdog.com'.

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“This is a fight I pursued. As soon as (Deiveson) fought Pantoja (in July), I sent a message to my manager. This is the first time in the UFC that I have had a fight that I asked for. It will certainly be a very good fight”, declared the American.

Tim guarantees that his team prepared him a lot to face the team from Pará. According to the fighter, the strategy outlined will be essential to achieve victory against the Brazilian who has lost only once in his career.

“We know what we have to do. We have to move, and my strategy is not to get hit. He's too slow and won't be able to touch me. All I have to do to win this fight is get past the first round. If I can drag this guy into deep water, he'll be tired and sluggish. I know how to fight, I can do three difficult rounds and beat this guy”, said the flyweight.

If it is Elliot's intention, the fight will end by submission. The American informed that he is sharp in his ground game and can end the duel before the last horn sounds.

“I will drag you into the deep water. I want to show my conditioning, I have finished many teammates in my training. I’ll win in the second or third round”, said the fighter.

Currently in sixth place in the division rankings, the North American believes that a victory over the Brazilian will immediately put him in a position to challenge Joseph Benavidez, number one and conditioned to fight for the belt that today belongs to Henry Cejudo.

“I believe a win puts me right after Joe (Joseph Benavidez). Joe is the man, he already beat Cejudo. He’s the guy who deserves a shot at the belt”, concluded Tim.

Without fighting since 2017, Elliot has 23 fights in his record, with 15 wins and eight losses, while the Brazilian has 17 fights, with 16 triumphs and one setback.