LAS VEGAS – August Sakai will not enter the octagon under ideal circumstances, but this does not bother the Brazilian.
The heavyweight returns to the cage on Saturday to bounce back from a four-fight loss against Don’Tale Mays at UFC fight night 220. The fight is part of the main UFC Apex card and is broadcast on ESPN+.
Many will feel pressure due to the skid. But Sakai (15-5-1 MMA, 4-4 UFC) is confident he can beat Mays (9-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) and leave him behind.
“I used to feel a lot more pressure,” Sakai told MMA Junkie at UFC Fight Night 220 media day on Wednesday. “I don’t feel the same pressure as in the past. I think whatever happened has passed and I’m here to write another story. I worked hard to be in this position.
“I’m used to it. I’ve been here before. I don’t let myself in that sense. I don’t reproach myself for it. I want to win, to go on a winning streak. I know how much I’m worth. I know my worth as a person and I want to write a new story in the UFC.”
Connected
Tiivasa def. Augusto Sakai at UFC 269: Best Photos
Sakai has completed all four defeats in his current stint, but they have come against top contenders Sergei Spivac, Tai Tuivasa, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alistair Overeem.
The 31-year-old actor believes there are many positives to be learned from these performances, as well as many lessons. Sakai, who trains with American Top Team in Florida, believes fans will see a much improved version of themselves on Saturday.
“Every fight has good points and bad points to take away from it, and it’s always a rewarding experience,” Sakai said. “I would say that there are things that I did well that we really emphasized, and there are things that were not done so well.
“You can be sure that we worked very hard on this, we trained very hard. I become a better athlete, a better person. You’ll see it on Saturday: the new Augusto Sakai.”
To learn more about the card, visit the MMA Junkie event center to UFC fight at night 220.
More UFC!
Augusto Sakai not under pressure due to four fights ahead of UFC Fight Night 220
Mike Malott: Fighting Johan Lyness is ‘a great opportunity to show what Canadian MMA is’ at UFC Fight Night 220
Jose Johnson vs Garrett Armfield excluded from UFC Fight Night 220
Source: sports.yahoo.com
