UFC Vegas 9: Augusto Sakai is Ready to Become a “Legend”

Augusto Sakai will face one of the most decorated heavyweights in MMA history on Saturday, namely, Alistair Overeem, and the rising contender understands how huge of an opportunity it is.

Sakai is ready to become a “legend”

Sakai will fight Overeem in the headliner of UFC Vegas 9 tomorrow, which will go down at the Apex Facility. The 29-year-old Brazilian has been tapped for the opportunity, after winning four straight bouts, since Sakai entered the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series.

While talking to the media ahead of this Saturday’s bout, Sakai was asked to comment on the fact he’s been booked to fight one of the greatest heavyweights ever, and what it means (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“It means that I’m ready to become also a legend and write my own history inside the heavyweight division,” Sakai said.

“I know that if I have a great performance Saturday night, everyone’s eyes will be on me,” Sakai said.

“I will be one of the top five guys in my weight class. That’s the goal. … After winning against Overeem, the top five is where I’ll be, absolutely.”

Now, of course, it remains to be seen whether Sakai will go onto reach legendary status. But, there’s no question that if he beats Overeem on Saturday, his name will be a lot more familiar to fans.

Further, considering Overeem is ranked #6, if Sakai scores an emphatic win, he’ll take a big step towards the top five.

Ready for five rounds

Since Sakai has been moved into a main event, there’s the possibility he’ll need to fight for five rounds, which he’s never done. But, the rising fighter says that won’t be an issue.

“It’s a big accomplishment for my career, fighting in a main event in the UFC and seeing my face on the poster,” Sakai said.

“I worked very hard to be here. Now is my time. … We trained a lot to fight for five rounds in this camp, thinking about it all the way.

Fans and everyone can expect this to be a great fight. If we reach the championship rounds, I will be ready to keep my rhythm going and keep up with the fight.”

It will be interesting to see how this fight plays out. Sakai (15-1-1) is coming off a split decision win over Blagoy Ivanov, which followed a quick, stoppage win over Marcin Tybura.

Overeem (46-18) stopped Walt Harris in his last bout. Prior to that the 40-year-old Dutch fighter was stopped by Jairzinho Rozenstruik.