Thiago Marreta plans to fight for the light heavyweight belt in July

T. Marreta has three victories in the light heavyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tmarretamma

Thiago Marreta will closely follow the fight between Jon Jones e Anthony Smith for the light heavyweight belt at UFC 235, this Saturday (02), in Las Vegas. Fourth place in the category, the Brazilian believes he deserves to be the challenger for the title. So much so that he is already planning to compete for the division belt on July 06th, a possible date of the UFC 239.

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“I really want to have the opportunity to fight for the belt and be able to face the winner of this fight. We will keep an eye on it (…). I think so (I'm next to fight for the title). Looking ahead, the third in the ranking will fight for the belt and I just beat the fourth. I think it's my time, I deserved it. I don't see anyone else. Gustafsson has already fought for the belt and it's not his turn anymore, he'll have to do one or two more fights. It's my turn, it's my opportunity and I really want it. […] I would like to fight in Fight Week, fighting for the belt”, said Thiago in an interview with the Combate channel website.

When analyzing the title clash, Marreta is betting on Jones' victory. However, the Brazilian stated that he would not be surprised by Smith's triumph.

“There’s no way not to bet on Jon Jones As a favorite, the guy has shown incredible work, so there's no way to bet against him. But I believe that Smith can also surprise if Jon Jones underestimate him and make a mistake. We know that any mistake up there is fatal, and if he gives an opening I'm sure Smith will know how to take advantage. Jon Jones He’s a favorite, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith won this fight”, explained the Brazilian.

Marreta made the transition to light heavyweight in UFC Sao Paulo in September last year. Since then, the Brazilian has had three fights and all of them ended with Thiago winning by knockout in the second or third round. His last fight was at UFC Prague, on February 23rd. He knocked out Jan Blachowicz at 39 seconds of the third round.