A. Sakai is the only Brazilian in the top 15 UFC heavyweights. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The only Brazilian in the UFC heavyweight rankings (up to 120,2 kg), Augusto Sakai is confident of getting back on the path to victory. With two stumbles in his recent record, the athlete faces Tai tuivasa this Saturday (11), at UFC 269. Before the confrontation, the fighter spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS and the expectation is for a show.
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Brazilian highlight in the group led by Francis Ngannou (lineal champion) and Cyryl Gane (interim champion), Sakai is coming off defeats to alistair overeem e Jairzinho Rozenstruik. The fighter, however, understands the possibility of redemption this weekend.
Defeats that come for the good
Losing is never good, especially when it comes to high-level athletes. Augusto, in turn, opens up about the positive things he learned from his last two stumbles with the Ultimate gloves.
“We gain baggage. They were two important fights for my career. The result didn't come, it's part of the game. We are ready to get back to winning ways. We lose a few nights of sleep, we have to rethink some things, know our worth. It is not defeat that will define who we are. We are at the top of the division,” he said.
Brazilian heavyweight star
Inserted in the category that has already established names such as junior gypsy, Fabricio Werdum e Rodrigo Minotauro, Sakai knows the weight of the responsibility of representing Brazil. Today, the fighter is the only fighter present in the ranking (11th) who represents the green and yellow. The Paraná native then spoke about how he views his prominent position.
“I know my worth. I'm very happy to be a Brazilian in the heavyweight rankings and represent our nation. If you look at the ranking and see the flags, you will see my name and the Brazilian flag. I don't let it go to my head. It's an honor for me, but you have to work the same every day. We train hard, we prepare very well, regardless of the ranking. I know there’s a lot of work to do,” he said.
Commitment to Tuivasa
This weekend, Sakai will take a step back and share the octagon with a fighter who dreams of joining the top 15 in the category. The Brazilian spoke about confirming the clash against Tuivasa.
“He’s not a guy I had my eye on, but I’ve been following him for a while. I usually follow most of the heavyweights, because I know that, as it's a category that has a little less people, we can meet at any time. I've watched his fights. When they scheduled the fight, I was happy. He’s a funny guy, he has a style that matches mine a lot,” he said.
Strategy for the clash
Scheduled on the preliminary card of one of the UFC's biggest events in the 2021 season, Augusto knows he won't have an easy life this weekend. The Brazilian, therefore, went through part of the strategy so as not to be surprised at the show.
“The strategy is to make him make mistakes. It has some loopholes, errors. We study well, we work a lot on these things. I'm an MMA athlete. I like Muay Thai, striking, but if I have to put it down and work on jiu-jitsu, I'm ready. I will try to take advantage of the gaps”, he guaranteed.
No decision from the judges
With two natural knockout artists on a collision course, Sakai is categorical in stating that the fight will not go to the judges' decision. For the combatant, the clash ends with the opponent 'erased'.
“It doesn’t make it to the third round. I will do my best on Saturday to come away with victory as soon as possible”, she said.
Optimal outcome
Needing victory in UFC 269, Augusto, despite believing in the knockout, understands that the important thing is to get back on the winning track. The athlete, therefore, tried to state how he intends to leave the octagon.
“The only thing I know, which is certain, a fact, is that I will finish with my arm raised. A perfect scenario would be a devastating knockout. A straight shot, a knee. Let’s see,” she concluded.
Athletes' history
At 30 years old, Augusto is heading towards his 20th fight as a professional in MMA. In the sport since 2011, the Brazilian has 15 wins, three defeats and one draw.
In a great moment in Ultimate, Tuivasa arrives with morale for the 16th clash in the sport. The Australian today has 12 triumphs and three setbacks.
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