T. Marreta (photo) states that he would like to face I. Adesanya. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
The Brazilian Thiago Marreta became a prestigious athlete after his great performance against Jon Jones, UFC 239, in July. Even though he was defeated in a split decision by the judges, the athlete provided the champion with the biggest challenge of his career to date. Looking for the next step in Ultimate, the Rio native admitted that he could return to middleweight (up to 83,9kg) for a confrontation against Israel adesanya, the current number one or for another superfight. In an interview with 'Ag.Fight', the athlete spoke about the subject.
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“I think so (about returning to middleweight), who knows. To have a super fight, or something like that, against a well-ranked opponent, but not to stay. At the moment, I'm very good in the 93kg category. (light heavyweight), I gained more muscle mass, I'm heavier. It would be a sacrifice for me to reach 84 (kg) again. So, there has to be a good reason for me to come down,” said the athlete.
For Thiago, a great reason to undergo the weight cut again to reach the limit of his old division would be an opportunity to face the current champion, Israel adesanya, which has, with each presentation, emerged as one of the company's biggest names. For the Brazilian, a duel against the Nigerian could motivate him to return to the category he left just over a year ago. Marreta, however, does not rule out the chance to fight the light heavyweight champion.
“I like to face the top guys and he (Adesanya) is one of them. I was (close) to fighting him, I was a reserve in his fight against Brad Tavares (2018). It ended up not happening. Nowadays, I'm in the top category and he's in the bottom, but I'd love to face him, whether at 93 (kg) or 84 (kg). I would agree, I think it would be a great fight and who knows, maybe we will meet in the future”, said the combatant.
Thiago debuted in the division dominated by Jon Jones in September last year. In his first performance, he gave his calling card by brutally knocking out Erik Anders, UFC Sao Paulo. The Brazilian did well in the new category and, after two more convincing victories, he had his chance to fight for the belt.
Marreta, however, believes that Adesanya would not have the same competence working among the heaviest. Without disparaging the Nigerian, the Brazilian stated that, due to body type issues, the fighter could encounter difficulties against stronger opponents.
“He’s a guy, not tall, but with a small muscle mass for 84kg. He has a very good wingspan, good height, but he doesn't have good muscle mass for 84 kg. I think that at 93kg, if he moved up, he would be able to land the blows of a light heavyweight. I believe it would be easier for him to drop to 77kg. (welterweight) than moving up to 93kg.”, concluded the carioca.
Without fighting since the challenge against Jon Jones, Marreta, today, is recovering from two knee surgeries, a consequence of the battle against the North American. The fighter still has no plans to return to competition, but Brazilian fans will possibly see him in action again in 2020.
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