R. Alves in victory for the 'Contender Series'. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Representative of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg.), Rafael Alves does not hide his excitement for his second fight with Ultimate gloves. In search of his first victory in the company, the athlete faces Marc Diakiese and is a Brazilian highlight in UFC Las Vegas 42, which takes place this Saturday (13). Before the appointment, the 'dancer' spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about expectations for the confrontation.
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Revealed by 'Dana White's Contender Series', Alves can take the first step towards the top of one of the organization's most dangerous categories. To do this, the athlete needs a great result this weekend.
Realization of a dream
In May 2021, Rafael had his first fight as a UFC professional. Even without winning, the fighter doesn't hide his joy at being part of the biggest MMA organization in the world.
“I'm very happy to be able to be on the biggest stage in the world, which is the UFC. That's my fun. I always say that I don't go into (fights) to play, but I go in to have fun. My show is to come dancing (into the Octagon). I love to dance. It’s a lot of joy for me,” she said.
Errors in the Ultimate debut
In his debut fight, Rafael came close to achieving a resounding victory in the first round against the dangerous Damir Ismagulov. The Brazilian, however, ended up allowing his opponent to recover during the fight and lost in a unanimous decision by the judges. The fighter then exposed the errors in the dispute.
“What was missing in that fight was patience. If I had a little more patience, I would win the fight easily. I didn't face any opponent. He was a tough, experienced guy, but this showed that I'm ready to fight anyone. Gave an knockdown in the first round, easy. (…) I learned a lot from this defeat,” he said.
Preparation for UFC Vegas 42
Almost six months after his debut, Alves is certain that he had great preparation to face Marc Diakiese this weekend. The athlete told a little about the training period.
“My coaches said I had to train this patience. I was a very explosive guy, but I had to wait for the fight to end. I am always well prepared. Once again, a tough opponent. The UFC isn't making me easy, it's just hard (laughs). But that's good for when I get to the top 15. I'll be ready for anyone. Today, I feel ready,” he said.
Opponent analysis
Ready for the show, Rafael analyzed the challenge against Diakiese. Aware that he will not have an easy life in Saturday's show, the Brazilian pointed out his opponent's strengths and weaknesses.
“In the same way that he is dangerous to me, I am to him. It will be 'there and here'. I'm also into striking. I love striking. He's a guy who has flaws, just like me. But I feel like I have more weapons for him than he has for me, in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu sense. He doesn't have jiu-jitsu. He defends takedowns well, but when he's on his back, he doesn't have much to offer and I have a lot to offer. Any hand that comes in will fall. I don't see this fight going to the end. For him, you should go, because he likes to mess around. I like closure. The quicker I get out of there (the octagon), the better for me (laughs)”, he guaranteed.
Promise of two shows
As far as Alves is concerned, his show on UFC Las Vegas 42 will not just happen within the battle area. Passionate about dancing, the athlete promised to excite fans on his way to the octagon.
“You can be sure, first of all, everyone will have a dance show (laughs). This fight will be one of the best of the night. Are two strikers. I don't think about putting this fight down, only if I feel uncomfortable. I don't know if he (Diakiese) will be able to respond in the stand-up fight. You can be sure that Brazil and Belém do Para, my 'homeland', will be very proud of this presentation”, he said.
Dream ending
With the intention of shining on the second Ultimate card of November, Rafael also spoke about how he would like to beat his opponent. The idea, as it couldn't be any different, is on the fast track.
“We try to finish as quickly and in the best way possible, so as not to hurt ourselves or my opponent. I don't have that with me, breaking an opponent's leg. That does not exist. I'm there to fight and I hope the fight is one of the best of the night. It's our job. We are bringing joy to the fans. I want to knock out and get a bonus”, he said.
Message to fans
Finally, Alves took advantage of the space to send a message to Brazilian fans, who will be keeping an eye on this weekend's show.
“I wanted to say to my people in Brazil, Belém do Pará, my homeland, that this Saturday I will do my best at the biggest event in the world. You can be sure: win or lose, you will watch a great show. And, of course, in the beginning, there will be the little dance (laughs)”, she concluded.
Athletes' history
At 31 years old, Rafael Alves is heading towards his 30th fight as a professional in MMA. Today, the fighter has 19 wins and 10 losses in the sport.
With 28, Marc Diakiese he will make his 19th commitment in the sport. The athlete has 14 triumphs and four setbacks.
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