After maintaining an unbeaten record in the UFC, Augusto Sakai praises Blagoy Ivanov: 'He withstood good blows'

B. Ivanov (left) and A. Sakai (right) fought an even confrontation in the UFC Woodley x Durinho. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcrussia

With four Brazilians performing at the UFC Woodley x Durinho, last Saturday (30), in Las Vegas, Augusto Sakai certainly had one of the most complicated commitments. In the confrontation against Blagoy Ivanov, which represented the co-main fight of the night, the combatant fought a balanced battle and emerged victorious in the judges' split decision. After the confrontation, the athlete praised his rival, who sold his defeat very dearly.

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“We knew he (Blagoy) was a very tough guy, but I thought I would be able to loosen up my game a little more, fit my shots a little better and he would end up feeling it. But the animal is tough and took good hits”, said the Brazilian in an interview with 'Combate'.

Last weekend, Augusto needed to prove that he was no longer just a Brazilian promise in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg). The athlete, who had performed three times and remained undefeated in the organization, needed a new negative result to continue his trajectory towards the top of the category.

Against Ivanov, Sakai was competing for a direct position in the division's ranking, as the Bulgarian was in 12th place, while the Brazilian was right behind, in 13th. With the victory, the Paraná native must now take his rival's place and awaits a new commitment to move up even further in the group led by Stipe Miocic.