In a good phase, Massaranduba challenges Kevin Lee and confirms his longing for a knockout

F. massaranduba asks for a fight against K. Lee. Photo: VH Gonzaga

In a good phase of his career, Francisco Massaranduba has big plans for his next Ultimate commitment. Coming from two consecutive victories, the lightweight (up to 70,3kg), who had a safe performance in the victory over John makdessi No. UFC Brasilia, held last Saturday (14), stated that he intends to face a well-ranked opponent in his next challenge and suggested Kevin Lee to take the first step. The statement was made in a conversation with members of the press after the weekend's show.

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“I want to fight with the best placed athletes in the category. I will hit Kevin Lee, I fight him anywhere”, stated Francisco.

Challenged by massaranduba, the North American was one of the protagonists of the last card held by Ultimate before the stoppage due to the coronavirus. At the time, Lee ended up submitted by Charles of the Bronx and the setback caused the athlete to drop two positions in the group, now ranking in 10th place.

In addition to the desire to play against an opponent with a bigger name, Francisco stated another desire that has been bothering him in recent challenges: the desire to knock him out.

“Now all we need is the knockout. I want to knock out or submit someone. I'm going for the knockout, I'm not going back, I'm going for the fight. I'll be able to get where I want. And I want to fight against someone who really wants to fight, not a runaway. This way I will put on a show for the public and they will like it. That’s my style: going to fight”, said the Brazilian.

After being declared the winner against John, massaranduba, still in the octagon, complained that his opponent was 'running away' from the confrontation and not accepting the frank striking – a characteristic that made Francisco famous in national MMA.

With eight knockouts in 25 positive results in MMA, Francisco has not won a knockout triumph since September 2018, when he beat Evan dunham, UFC Sao Paulo. With this, the Brazilian will focus on ending the 'drought' for the next battle.

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