D. Sánchez in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
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Experienced and famous in the world of MMA, Diego Sanchez is close to making another appearance as a professional in the sport. This Saturday (15), the North American returns to the octagon and faces the Brazilian Michael Pereira, known as 'Flying Paraense'. For the confrontation, the athlete hopes to recover from the defeat he suffered against Michel Chiesa, in July last year, and wants to have a dominant performance over his opponent. In an interview with 'Combate', the welterweight spoke about the subject.
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“My expectation for the fight is that I get a very clear victory. I worked hard, spent a lot of energy, time, and really sacrificed myself to get to where I am now. I believe this fight will not go to the judges' decision. This fight will end violently. When you come to New Mexico (USA), with the altitude, in the dryness of the desert, your throat becomes dry, you feel like you are in the valley of death cutting weight. So, Saturday night, when I enter the Octagon I’m going to make him feel real pain,” said Sanchez.
However, anyone who thinks that the rivalry is brewing for the confrontation is mistaken. Diego stopped teasing and made a point of giving advice to his opponent so that he could improve in the sport. In his last performance, Michel ended up being a victim of his own style. Used to devising a fighting strategy that is based on spectacle, with somersaults and other plastic blows, the man from Pará ended up tiring in the first round and was defeated by Tristan connelly in its commitment to UFC Vancouver, in September of last year.
“I know his (Pereira’s) style. This guy is learning. I feel like he has a big ego at 25, just like I did when he was 25. He wants to be a 'show man', gaining fan favoritism, being the organization's entertainment guy, having people watch you jump and roll around. Have views on 'YouTube' and likes on 'Instagram'. But this is extra work for him, something he needs to do. I know what that means. He's big, strong, tall, but for how long? How much time will he have to jump, roll and have all that energy, because you have to know how to balance your energy in this combat sport,” said Sanchez.
Against 'Paraense Voador', Diego will reach the impressive mark of 42 fights as a professional in MMA. Having debuted in the sport in June 2002, the 38-year-old American currently has 29 wins and 12 losses.
Michel, 25, currently has 35 fights on his record. The Brazilian has 23 triumphs, 10 setbacks and two unsuccessful fights.
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