A. Sakai is the only Brazilian in the top 15 UFC heavyweights. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Brazilian bet on the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg) of Ultimate, Augusto Sakai will have the chance to make a big leap in one of the most dangerous divisions in MMA. Opponent of Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the main fight of UFC Las Vegas 28, this Saturday (5), the Brazilian spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the expectation of the confrontation. The athlete evaluated the defeat suffered by alistair overeem, analyzed the weekend's commitment and proposed an opponent for the sequence.
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Reaching his sixth fight with the Ultimate gloves, Sakai is going for the second consecutive engagement scheduled for a main fight. The organization's bet is that the athlete could reach the spotlight for a future title fight in the event of a great result against the Surinamese.
Defeat? It is past
In his last performance, Augusto had the opportunity to test himself against one of the people most responsible for spreading MMA around the world. Against Overeem, in September 2020, the Brazilian showed strength, but ended up defeated by knockout. The athlete then spoke about what was positive about the clash against the Dutch legend.
“In general summary, the experience was certainly the same. Everything we experienced during that week, that fight, certainly added a lot to my experience as a fighter and athlete. The experience was a positive factor after that fight”, said the fighter.
Prestige with the UFC
Although there is no easy life for an MMA athlete, Sakai celebrates the prestige received by the Ultimate board. Having his second main fight in a row, the Brazilian did not hide his satisfaction at being considered the company's bet for the future.
“Particularly, I am very happy with the opportunities that the UFC has given me. Two main fights in a row, two big names. This represents that they are betting on me. It’s just happiness (laughs) and I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity”, admitted the athlete.
Brazilian among the lions
Inserted in a category that has already included great Brazilian names such as junior gypsy, Fabricio Werdum e Rodrigo Minotauro, today, Sakai finds himself isolated as a Tupiniquim representative in the top 15 of the group. Asked about possible pressure for 'carrying a country' in the division's elite, the Brazilian dismissed the feeling and said he was grateful for the position he assumed.
“No pressure. I think this is supernatural. I'm happy to represent Brazil, our nation. I hope that all the Brazilian people cheer for me, follow me, because I am the only representative within the ranking. I hope that others will arrive soon, but for now, I'm the only one. It’s a unique opportunity and, no pressure, at all,” he declared.
Fight against Rozenstruik
This Saturday's main fight has the ingredients that most MMA fans love. In the center of the octagon, two fighters who enjoy open fighting. Specialist in striking, Augusto, however, guarantees that he has an ace up his sleeve, which can be used against one of the opponents with the greatest knockout power within the company.
“A victory over Jairzinho takes me to the top of the category. I'm a striker (stand-up), but other than that, I'm an MMA athlete. So, we have our takedown game up to date, our jiu-jitsu is up to date and, if I need to, at some point in the fight, I will use that, I won't hesitate to use my techniques. We’ll see what the fight will bring me, what the opportunity will be, but I’m confident of a knockout,” he explained.
Next on the list
If he beats Rozenstruik in the UFC Las Vegas 28, Sakai already has a name who he would like to fight next. To get even closer to the frontline group for a title fight, the Brazilian didn't hesitate when asking for a name.
"The Derrick Lewis it would be a good fight. He's a guy who's up there and sells well. It would be a good thing”, admitted the man from Paraná.
Dream outcome against Jairzinho
To get closer to his dream of a title fight, an impressive outcome would be of great help to Sakai. Thus, the Brazilian revealed what the 'dream ending' would be like in this Saturday's main fight.
“A brutal knockout in the first minute of the fight. This is the ideal outcome and I am prepared for it”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 30 years old, Sakai is heading towards his 19th appearance in MMA. Professional in the sport since 2011, the athlete currently has 15 wins, two losses and one draw. For the UFC, the man from Pará has four triumphs and one setback.
Big name in MMA in Suriname, Rozenstruik seeks to recover from a lackluster performance against Cyryl Gane. The 'giant', aged 33, currently has 11 positive results and two negative results in his career in the sport.
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