Undefeated in two appearances in Ultimate, Danilo Marques is a name to be closely watched by Brazilian fans. Opponent of Kennedy Nzechukwu No. UFC Las Vegas 30, which takes place this Saturday (26), the light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about this weekend's challenge. Respectfully, the fighter adopted caution when analyzing the good moment and opened up about the future in the company.
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After two convincing victories in the organization, Marques seeks to continue the trajectory towards the top of the category led by Jan Blachowicz. For this, a great performance at the weekend is important, which could bring you closer to the top 15.
Sharp critical sense
In his debut with the company, held in September 2020, Danilo accepted the challenge of facing Khadis Ibragimov last minute. Even though he dominated the Russian and won the judges' unanimous decision, the Brazilian criticized his performance.
“I couldn't perform at my best, especially because I got (the fight) a week and five days away. Without any excuse, I made a game to win the fight against a very tough guy – the strongest guy I've faced so far. On Monday, I had a complete camp (training period). Of course, we always make mistakes, but I managed to fight in a better condition than in the first, getting a submission. The work was done”, said the athlete.
Always be careful
Even with two solid performances, Marques is aware of his advancement in the company. The Brazilian revealed that he prefers to adopt the stance of following 'step by step', so as not to harm his trajectory within one of the company's most dangerous divisions.
“My friends say I'm a bit 'tactful' with caution. After everything I went through to get there – not that others didn't go through –, I'm very careful with things. This step now is important. I'll do my best and, after rest, we'll start thinking about other things. I don't project much. I plan the day to day”, admitted Marques.
Preparation for UFC Las Vegas 30
This weekend, Danilo will not face the opponent who was initially confirmed. The Brazilian would face Ed Herman. The veteran, however, left the fight and ended up giving way to Kennedy, around two weeks ago. The last-minute change does not worry the São Paulo native, who continued to help teammates in their respective presentations.
“I would have to fight Ed Herman, but they changed it a few weeks in advance. I was already training. I helped Fabrício (Werdum), Marvin (Vettori), so it's been about three months training. I even had to slow down a bit, because otherwise it would become exhausting. There's no excuse. I studied Kennedy. I will do my best, because I had the opportunity to work for it,” he said.
Strategy against promise
No UFC Las Vegas 30, Nzechukwu will try to prove that he is fully recovered from his first career defeat, suffered on his Ultimate debut in 2019. Fresh from two victories, the North American known for his knockout power, however, must worry about Danilo, which is prepared to exchange forces in all areas.
“I come to fight MMA. I did the training camp at 'Kings MMA', exchanging a lot of blows. I'm prepared to fight standing up, to put him down – which is something I do a lot and it's in my game. I have the plan in my head, I know what I'm going to do, but a fight is a fight. Sometimes, more or less, and you improvise, sometimes it doesn't work out and you have to be prepared too. I trained with (Fabrício) Werdum, with Marvin (Vettori), guys who are very experienced in terms of takedowns and striking. I am confident in my work”, he highlighted.
Rise in light heavyweight
Within a category marked by great challenges, Marques is sincere in assessing his future. Betting on work as the essence for success, the athlete spoke about the necessary precautions to avoid having his career plan frustrated.
“This 93kg category. It's a category where things happen a little quickly. In the others, in my opinion, it's not quite like that, because they have more fighters and the level is more equal. I never thought about how long (I will reach the elite). I didn't enter the UFC young, but for my category, it's a reasonable age. (…) If you work correctly – of course, there are obstacles in the way – things happen quickly. So, you have to be prepared for it and not be anxious. (…) I've seen my friends go through this millions of times. I’m prepared for the division’s journeys”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
Professional in MMA since 2014, Marques arrives for his 14th fight in the sport. Today, the 35-year-old fighter has 11 victories and two defeats. The athlete comes from four consecutive victories.
A North American promise in the division, Kennedy will reach the mark of 10 clashes in mixed martial arts this Saturday. The athlete, 29, has eight triumphs and one setback.
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