American Top Team coach Marcus “Palumpa” da Matta arrived in Las Vegas on Sunday with Alexandre Pantoja, who will defend his flyweight title against Kai Asakura in the main event of UFC 310 on Sunday night.
“We arrived on the Sunday before the game and started the game week well-rested and already accustomed to the Las Vegas atmosphere. Pantoja’s weight is better than the last game, but he is much stronger,” the coach revealed.
“Palumpa” claims Pantoja just finished one of the best camps of his MMA career thus far.
“Pantoja is (very popular) at ATT. Even the cleaning girls were excited and excited when he became champion,” Da Matta said. “When he goes to fight, all the lightweights line up to help him. This camp was one of the best we’ve ever been to.”
The Brazilian coach, who is a black belt under legendary Carlson Gracie, is not afraid to talk about the tactics designed to neutralize Pantoja’s dangerous stand-up game against his Japanese opponent, who has 13 knockouts in 21 wins. .
“He played against Horiguchi twice, who is one of our main training partners at the Pantoja gym, and he helped us a lot,” da Matta said.
“Palumpa” reveals that Pantoja is ready to fight against Japan’s standout players.
The coach said, “Alex has a personality that enjoys fighting.” “It’s hard to take that away from him because that’s what made him a champion. The fact that he’s so dangerous and under pressure.” [that makes opponents] Walk backwards. This is important. It’s clear that confronting Asakura is the most dangerous part of this battle, but we’re clearly ready for it. There is no way to start a fight by attempting a throw. We have to make Asakura want to exchange blows. We have to get him and from then on we can play the game we want, which is to beat him and finish. ”
The fact that Pantoja has already defeated many of the other top contenders in the flyweight division is nothing to worry about at this point as he has a dangerous opponent in front of him.
“It’s scary to talk about the next step when we have to take a very important step this Saturday. All eyes are on Asakura. The focus is on putting on a show,” da Matta said. “We will hold the main event of the year’s final numbered card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For Pantoja, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to confirm he is the best flyweight in the world. Asakura, who came to the UFC already fighting for the belt, is proof of that.
“What other promotions are there?” [flyweight] Could it threaten you? “RIZIN, bring this. I want to prove that I’m the best in the world and I don’t want anyone to doubt that.” This is the attitude of a true champion. It doesn’t matter whether his opponent is No. 1 or No. 10 in the rankings or what kind of promotion he has. You are there to prove that you are the best in the world. ”
