Raoni (photo) wins UFC Boise award. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook UFC
Competent, confident and undefeated since his debut in Ultimate, Raoni barcelos is back in the octagon for a big challenge this Saturday (21), in South Korea, at UFC Busan. Against Said Nurmagomedov, cousin of the lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg.), Khabib, the Brazilian will have the opportunity to guarantee his good form and grow in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2kg.), which is currently dominated by Henry Cejudo. In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS/MMA Press, the Rio native spoke about his expectations for the confrontation.
See too
“I'm going to go after him, I'm going to unleash my aggressive game on the feet, takedowns and on the ground. It's the way I like to fight. I'm sure the fans will enjoy what we do in the octagon, it will be a great fight. Regardless of how long it lasts, be it a minute or go to the decision, I'm sure we'll have a great duel”, said the Brazilian.
Against Said, Raoni will have the opportunity to try himself against an athlete known for taking the fight to the judges' decision. In the 13 victories in the Russian's career, more than half were resolved after the end of the rounds. Aware of his rival's quality, Barcelos states that he knows his opponent's style and prepared well for the fight.
“The camp (training period) was great. I'm ready to put on a big fight. It was the third camp I did preparing to fight Said, so I think we already know each other well. Whoever surprises the most in the fight will win”, said the carioca.
Despite facing an opponent who presents good wrestling, Raoni states that he does not intend to give up his famous aggressiveness, with which he usually surprises his opponents and emerges victorious. For this weekend, the Brazilian states that the intention is to maintain his characteristics, however, adopting caution.
“I'm a guy who has an aggressive game by nature, I always go after my opponents. Of course we have to do this intelligently, with a well-defined strategy, but I'm a guy who likes to corner my opponents, to put pressure on them. That’s my game, and that’s what I’ll do on the 21st”, confirmed Barcelos.
Focused on victory, the Rio native states that he is not thinking about his next appointment. According to Rani, the focus now is on Russian. After the event, next career plans will be outlined.
He (Said) is the opponent of the moment, he is the one who deserves all my focus, my attention, my training. I only think about him, about beating him and continuing my journey in the UFC, climbing step by step to the top, which is where I want to be soon.
Having made his Ultimate debut in July last year, Barcelos doesn't know what it's like to lose within the company. The athlete, this Saturday, will complete his fourth appearance for the company, where he has already recorded three victories, with two knockouts and one submission.
Nurmagomedov, 27, takes the third fight. The Russian has a knockout and a fight in the judges' decision.
Comments