After a gala debut at bantamweight (up to 61,2kg), Raulian paiva is ready for another great career challenge. This Saturday (11), the Brazilian faces the new Ultimate sensation, Sean O'Malley, in one of the main fights of the UFC 269. Before the confrontation, the Tupiniquim spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the commitment.
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After deciding to officially move to the under-61,2kg group, Paiva left a positive impression in his first challenge. In July, the Brazilian won a great victory over Kyler Phillips in the majority decision of the judges.
Duel with O'Malley
Even not facing a ranked opponent in the UFC 269, Raulian has reason to celebrate. The Brazilian's next rival has great popularity among MMA fans and, therefore, the Tupiniquim spoke about the importance of the challenge.
“He’s a guy who has a lot of fans. Will be nice. Fans will get to know more about who he is Raulian paiva, know who I am. The good thing is that he has much more visibility than a guy who was in the rankings”, said Paiva.
Rival's provocative style
Promise for the future of Ultimate, O'Malley is known for provoking his rivals and using a different style outside the octagon. The Brazilian then spoke about how he views possible disagreements with his opponent.
“The more nonsense he says, the more it motivates me to shut him up, train more. He thinks he's this character, he thinks he's the guy. It's the game he likes to play. I'm not going to fall into his pile. I will arrive focused, do my work and return home”, he assured.
Exaggerated fame
In front of one of Dana White's new pupils, president of the UFC, Paiva says he doesn't understand why there is so much engagement about Sean. The Tupiniquim explained the question.
“He doesn’t have everything the UFC throws at him. He's a young, talented kid, but he has a lot of room for improvement. He's never faced a guy with a name. The only one he faced by name was the Marlon Vera and ended up being knocked out,” he said.
Fight analysis
In the biggest challenge of his career to date, Paiva can't imagine fighting O'Malley for 15 minutes. For the Brazilian, the confrontation will be ended before the judges make a decision.
“From start to finish, pressure all the time. I believe this fight should go to the second round at most. I must knock him out. I'm sure he won't withstand the same pressure I put against (Kyler) Phillips. If I play the game I've been training for, I'm sure I'll finish this fight quickly.
Athletes' history
Professional in MMA since 2013, Raulian paiva is heading towards his 25th fight as a professional in the sport. Today, the 26-year-old Brazilian has 21 wins and three losses.
Promise of the bantamweight, Sean O'Malley will be his 16th fight in mixed martial arts. Currently, the 27-year-old athlete has 14 triumphs and one setback.
