The UFC light heavyweight belt could be closer to Brazil again tonight. Mauricio Shogun, the last Tupiniquim champion of the division, faces Alexander Gustafson in the second most anticipated fight of UFC on FOX 5, a show that will take place in the city of Seattle, in the United States. And, as Dana White, president of the franchise announced, if the Swede wins, the Brazilian will be the next challenger for the category belt.
VEJA: Watch the UFC on FOX 5 weigh-in
Despite the responsibility, Shogun does not treat the duel as pressure. For him, to have a great performance in the octagon, the pressure must be put aside.
“I always deal with pressure. In this sport, one day you are the champion, and the next you may be at the end of the line. I think to maintain a good performance, you have to put that pressure aside and focus on the next fight. I always think about doing my best out of respect for my fans, the result is just a consequence. But I’m proud of my career and I know I can do much more.”
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In turn, Gustafsson, who could also have a chance at the title if he wins the duel, does not hide that the challenge against the Brazilian is the most important fight of his career.
“This is certainly the most important fight of my career. If I beat a guy like Shogun, I'll show that I'm ready to face the Jon Jones or Chael Sonnen"He said.
Belt dispute
In addition to the fight for the chance to fight for the light heavyweight belt, UFC on FOX 5 also features a title fight. Defending the reign of the lightweight category, Ben henderson puts his reign at stake in front of Nate diaz.
The show's fight program, which will be broadcast on the Combate channel from 19:30 pm, also features another Brazilian in action. Acting on the preliminary card, Raphael Assunção stares at Mike Easton. Check out the full event card below:
Main Card
Ben henderson vs. Nate diaz;
Mauricio Shogun vs. Alexander Gustafson;
BJ Penn vs. Rory McDonald;
Matt Brown vs. Mike Swick.
Preliminary Card
Yves Edwards vs. Jeremy Stephens;
Raphael Assunção vs. Mike Easton;
Ramsey Nijem vs. Joe Proctor;
Daron Cruickshank vs. Henry Martínez;
Marcus LeVesseur vs. Abel Trujillo;
Dennis Siver vs. Nam Phan;
John Albert vs. Scott Jorgensen.
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