Sarafian says he is embarrassed by his defeat to Kunimoto: 'I know I disappointed'

D. Sarafian (photo) is submitted at UFC 174. Photo: UFC

Daniel sarafian did not have a good start to his career in the welterweight division. At UFC 174, last Saturday (14), the Brazilian was submitted by Kiichi Kunimoto in the first round, culminating in his third defeat in the UFC in four fights.

In a long statement posted on his official page on Facebook, Sarafian did not hide his frustration with the result. “I know that Saturday I disappointed many who were rooting for me. I have no words to say how sad and embarrassed I am about the fight, but I can say that I gave my all in my training, I deprived myself of many things, I suffered a lot with the change of category, but I still didn't give up and got in there to do my best and put on a good fight for you, regardless of the result”, declared the fighter.

The defeat, after 2min52s of combat, left a bitter taste in Sarafian. “Unfortunately, I didn't have time to show what I prepared. It wasn't my day. I dispersed and my opponent knew how to take advantage of the opportunity with intelligence and great merit. To become champion I still have a lot to learn, especially how to control my emotions and frustrations and make the right decisions inside the octagon,” he commented.

Sarafian emphasizes that he did not underestimate Kunimoto at any time. “I heard many say that my opponent was an underdog and that I was the favorite, but I would like everyone to know, especially him, that I never underestimated him and that from the beginning I took him very seriously, as an opponent with good chances. to beat me, just like any other fighter. Whoever goes up there knows that they can always be defeated, that there is no favorite. Favoritism comes from the perspective of someone who has never fought. Inside it’s always 50/50, and champions become champions by knowing that,” he opined.

The fighter ended by saying that the setback will make him improve as a fighter. “Now I’m going to lift my head, face this defeat and learn from it. I'm not going to give up on my dream and I'm going to train harder than ever, both technically and psychologically, to come back and live up to another opportunity to reach my potential and show you my best”, he concluded.