Nikolas Motta desires to mild up the world when he opens the UFC Macau card in opposition to Maheshate this Saturday morning in China.
The previous CFFC light-weight champion stated in an interview with MMA Preventing that his dream is to get a successful streak going beneath the UFC banner, one thing he’s but to realize following a 2-2 (1 NC) begin within the firm.
But, the Brazilian struggles with balancing sport plans and pleasure ranges.
“At first, I’ll admit I used to be considering possibly I’ll go for takedowns this time, I’ll use my jiu-jitsu and catch him, however late within the camp I used to be already specializing in the placing,” Motta stated. “I need to really feel how the combat goes and what occurs in there. I’ve the Nova Uniao fundamentals, the Jake Shields fundamentals, and I add a number of issues right here and there. I really feel I’m already skilled sufficient [on the ground].”
Motta left Las Vegas for Thailand to do his camp with the Hickman brothers at Bangtao MMA fitness center as quickly as he signed a deal to compete in China, and stated his previous camp within the fitness center had him “in form actual fast.”
“I used to be engaged on my grappling earlier than leaving Las Vegas, and my wrestling and jiu-jitsu are so freaking good,” Motta stated, “However you understand how a lot I like to face and commerce and placed on a present, placed on an excellent efficiency. That’s what issues within the UFC.”
Competing in enemy territory isn’t one thing new for Motta, who was in that state of affairs in 4 of six octagon appearances, and all 4 pre-UFC bouts since transferring to the USA in 2017. With a file of 6-2 when going through opponents of their cities, states, or house nations, Motta stated he likes being in that place.
“I believe it is a good match-up and it has all the pieces to be an awesome present,” Motta stated of his conflict with China’s Maheshate, a 10-3 light-weight with a 50 p.c end charge. “I can’t say for positive however I imagine he has a Sanda type on the ft, and it’s nice for me.”
Motta received’t assume previous UFC Macau earlier than having his fingers raised Saturday, his second victory in a row after knocking out Tom Nolan in simply 63 seconds again in January. He hopes to be extra lively going ahead as a result of “that’s essential within the UFC.”
“I’m making an attempt to focus every step a time and benefit from the second and be grateful,” Motta stated. “After I had robust occasions on this camp, I informed myself, ‘Keep in mind whenever you requested God for this chance.’ Each time I had adversities, I stored remembering to imagine. It’s all good now, and I’m on level.”
