Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Rising heavyweight Augusto Sakai would rather not face a former training partner on the way to a title shot, but other Brazilian’s are no problem.
Rising UFC heavyweight prospect Augusto Sakai has no problem facing fellow Brazilians on his path to a title shot. However, there is one name he would prefer not to cross unless there is a belt on the line: former champion Junior dos Santos.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Sakai explained how he helped JDS prepare for the former champ’s bout against Ben Rothwell, an experience that would make it tough for him to take on ‘Cigano’ in the Octagon. On the other hand, Augusto did point out he has no problems taking on another Brazilian who also wore the heavyweight belt not too long ago: Fabricio Werdum.
“I had the opportunity to help Cigano when I went to American Top Team. I was there for his camp for his fight against Ben Rothwell. If we were to fight, it would have to be for the belt.”
“Against Werdum it would be normal.” Sakai continued. “If he appears in my way, we’ll have to fight, there’s nothing you can do. It would be tougher to face Cigano, but against Werdum it would be normal.”
Undefeated in the UFC, Augusto Sakai (14-1-1) has three straight wins in the Octagon, against Chase Sherman, Andrei Arlosvski and most recently, in September 2019, Marcin Tybura. The 28-year-old’s last and sole loss happened in May 2017, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Cheick Kongo.
Sakai was once scheduled to meet Blagoy Ivanov at UFC 250, on May 9, but the card’s date ended up giving place to the new UFC 249 event. For now, the fast-rising prospect has no other fights lined up.