One of the great Brazilian promises for the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) of Ultimate, Augusto Sakai is ready for his next challenge for the organization. This Saturday (30), the Paraná native will face Blagoy Ivanov in the co-main event of UFC Las Vegas, which takes place in the United States. Close to another great challenge, the combatant spoke with journalist Laerte Viana, exclusively to Youtube channel do SUPER FIGHTS, and spoke about expectations for the confrontation.
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”Of course, he (Ivanov) will come with a thirst for victory), but I believe that my game will 'match well'. He's a guy who paces the fight a little more, but he also has knockout power. Given the style of both, the fight should be more on the feet. I believe it will be a knockout for me. I trained for this,” Sakai said.
Caution about the future
Asked if, after the commitment against Blagoy, Augusto showed serenity when talking about the future within the division. The athlete thinks that it is necessary to concentrate on each rival so that they do not 'run over' the plans within the organization.
“I believe it’s one step at a time. There's no point in trying to take a bigger step than I can take, when I have Blagoy in the middle of the way. My focus, for now, is on him and, after this fight, we'll think about what could come next. A good fight that could push me up there”, explained the Brazilian.
Relationship with UFC and fans
Aware that he has played a good role since his debut for the company in 2018, Sakai feels that Ultimate's management welcomes his evolution into the new generation of the division. The athlete, however, realizes that the relationship with Brazilian fans is still dubious. With more victories, however, the man from Paraná can convince the public that he has arrived in the UFC to stay.
“For the UFC, I think they believe in me, in what I've been doing since I left Bellator (2017), I fought in Curitiba (PR), then I joined Contender (Dana White's Contender Series, in August 2018) and I made a lot of progress. So, they are seeing this and I believe they are betting on me”, said Augusto, before commenting on the Brazilian fans.
“On the part of the fans, I think it’s a little divided. About 70% I think believe in me and I hope to represent this with full force and bring a lot of joy to the Brazilian people through this,” he said.
Are you ready for the top?
With only three presentations for the company, the man from Paraná now occupies 13th position in the group that is currently led by Stipe Miocic. Thinking about moving more and more towards the top of the category, Sakai understands that, in order to remain constant, it is necessary to make a broad evolution and, thus, overcome its next rivals with more and more dominance.
“We always need to evolve. If we stop, we're screwed. Certainly, if I reach the top 5 today, I will be able to perform, but, as I said, every day, we have to evolve, improve, add new tools and weapons to our game. No getting complacent”, said the athlete.
Jones in heavyweight
Finally, Augusto commented on the subject that has taken over the MMA universe in recent weeks, which is the possibility of Jon Jones move to the heavyweight division in the near future. Without shying away, the Brazilian spoke about what he thinks about the subject, how he thinks the light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.) would do in the top category and also gave his thoughts on the emblematic superfight of 'Bones' against Francis Ngannou.
“I don't think he ('Bones) was going to have all that success. In the heavyweight division, he would beat a lot of people, but I don't know if he would do that much. The grip is a little heavier and Ngannou himself, if he lands a 'hand' like that, can hurt him a lot. If he (Jon) fights more 'on the run', he has a chance of winning. Who knows, 60% for Ngannou and 40% for Jon Jones”, Finished.
This Saturday, Sakai will reach the mark of 17 appearances in his professional MMA career. At 29 years old, the athlete currently has 14 wins, one defeat and one draw. A triumph over Ivanov, 12th in the ranking, could bring the Curitiba native closer to the top 10.
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