Confident and prepared. Thiago Moses Ain't worried about the 'hype' over Islam makhachev, his opponent in the main fight of the UFC Las Vegas 31st next Saturday (10). In an exclusive interview with the SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the Brazilian athlete said that he plans to knock out the Russian and declared that he is ready to win in any area of the game. Check out this and other excerpts from the chat.
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Ideal scenario for combat?
“I imagine myself starting the fight with a lot of pressure, loosening my punches, working on my boxing and kicks. I imagine Makhachev moving backwards and when he has the opportunity, trying to use takedowns and I will defend well, work my boxing well, hurt him in my striking and end this fight with a knockout. With a kick or a straight shot.
Bothered by Makhachev's 'hype'?
“For me, that’s indifferent. I try to evolve on a daily basis as an athlete, as a fighter and as a person. I will get there, do my best, do my job regardless of whether it is Islam (Makhachev), whether it is Michael Johnson or (Alexander) Hernandez. The most important thing is for me to get there and do my best.”
Is Thiago Moisés already a reality?
“Oh, sure. I'm number 14 in the world, I'm among the best in the UFC. Little by little, we have been affirming our name, ceasing to be a promise and establishing our name as a reality. I'm very happy with this opportunity to do a main fight. This is a huge step in my career and I am very happy and very motivated.”
Complete fighter?
“I believe that this is my difference, it is one of my strengths. I am a complete fighter. I feel prepared for both the standing and the floor parts. I think that's my advantage. If I fight a guy like Michael Johnson who is dangerous in striking, who has already knocked out the Dustin poirier, already won the Tony Ferguson, so there's no reason for me to take risks. I went there, put my strategy into practice and managed to submit with a leg lock in the second round. If I fight one striker, I'll take the fight to the ground, if I fight with one wrestler, I will keep the fight going.
No 'easy life' in Ultimate
“I see that (from difficult marriages) that they see great potential in me. In my view, the UFC wants to put on balanced fights, which will bring a show to the public. So if they're putting me up against these great athletes, for me, that's a compliment. I thank the UFC for this opportunity to fight against these big names, because this will only make me more mature and become an even better fighter.”
Main care for the opponent?
'I believe the falls. I think he's going to try to take him down, keep holding up the fight. That's what he always does in his fights and I think that's what he's going to try to do against me. I'm also very dangerous with my back on the ground, so I believe he will be in danger the entire time if he manages to take me down.
Change in strategy after 'promotion' to the main fight
“In fact, the strategy remains the same. We just adapted some things in training, we had to increase the rounds in the 'sparring' but it was a change that took us both by surprise. We were training to fight three rounds and now it will be five. I already had this experience three times when I fought in the LFA, so I believe I have this advantage. But that's it, it only increased by another 10 minutes.
More pressure to be leading the card?
“When they told me that I would be in the main fight, I was very happy, very euphoric, it gave me that extra adrenaline. Now, I see this fight as any other fight. For me, now, it doesn't matter if it's the main event or if it's the first fight of the event. I'll get there, I'll do my best to put my strategy into play and focus on what I have to do on the 17th inside the Octagon.
About Thiago Moisés
Current number 14 in the lightweight rankings (up to 70,3kg), Thiago Moses comes packed with three consecutive victories. His last defeat was to Damir Ismagulov in a unanimous decision by the judges in August 2019. The fighter has a record of 15 victories and four setbacks.
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