UFC heavyweight Augusto Sakai is taking on a big challenge on Saturday in former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. MMA Junkie caught up with Sakai (12-1-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) to get his thoughts on preparing for Arlovski (27-18 MMA, 16-12 UFC), his biggest-name foe.
UFC on ESPN+ 8 takes place at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. The main card streams on ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN2.
You’re about to face a former UFC champion. You only have one loss on your record. You won your UFC debut. What can you say about your MMA career up to now?
I’m thankful for everything that’s happened in my career so far. Most of my professional MMA career has been in major organizations. I have a good amount of experience, despite only having one fight in the UFC. I’m ready to face former champion Andrei Arlovski. He has his qualities, but I’m here to show why I was hired by the UFC. Now is my moment. I’ll give everything to be victorious. I have no doubt that victory will be mine.
Do you see this an opportunity to leapfrog Arlovski, and ask for other ranked opponents?
I’m happy to be facing someone who’s ranked. I know that sooner or later, I will be ranked, too. My time will come.
What can you say about your opponent? How do you see the fight going?
He’s very experienced. He’s been on this road for a very long time and has tons of UFC experience. He’s a former champion. He’ll want to impose his game. He’ll probably want to strike and then get a takedown. Or if he feels comfortable, he might stick to striking. But I’m ready for anything he brings. My team and I are working on our strategy. In anything he tries to do, he’ll get nullified. I predict I’ll get a finish before the final bell.
How’s your training camp going?
My preparation has been going great, same as always. I’m working with the same guys (at the Noguchi and Gile Ribeiro teams). We’ll put on a great show. Victory will be mine.
Plans for the future?
I’m taking things one step at a time. I have a big fight ahead of me. My complete focus is on beating Arlovski. I’ll think about what’s next after that.
Anything else?
I’m very thankful to everyone who roots for me. We’re going to go far.
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