LAS VEGAS – Pat Sabatini couldn’t be happier with his performance in the UFC on ESPN 65 co-main event against Joanderson Brito.
Sabatini (20-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC) was an underdog according to the oddsmakers, but he certainly proved them wrong as he dominated Brito (17-5-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) for 15 minutes. He even earned a 10-8 score from one of the official judges in the final round.
“I’m f*cking thrilled, I’m really f*cking thrilled,” Sabatini told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “… It’s great going and getting a win against such a dangerous opponent who has a win over Diego Lopes, which was my last loss. It just shows me what I’m doing. I’m going in the right direction, and it’s just more motivation to keep climbing.”
Brito never had a chance to get going. From the beginning of the fight until the final horn, Sabatini smothered Brito with his grappling, dictating virtually every minute of the fight on the ground. It wasn’t all lay-and-pray tactics either; Sabatini was causing damage on the ground too.
It was a performance that elevated Sabatini’s confidence to new heights. So much so that he made a bold proclamation about his skills on the ground.
“I don’t know where it started, but I just started saying it this week, actually, but I’m going to say it again: the closer I get to you, the more dangerous I get,” Sabatini said. “I really feel in my heart and my mind that I’m the best grappler in this whole division.”
Sabatini has now won two straight after being stopped by Lopes, who fights Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant featherweight title at UFC 314. One day, Sabatini hopes to fight for gold one day and hopes this performance places him in the rankings at 145 pounds.
“I just want to keep climbing, man,” Sabatini said. “Obviously, I want to be UFC champion. I think I’m on that route. I know I’m on that route and I just want to keep climbing. I would love to have a number next to my name.”
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