Bruno Ferreira entered his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut against Gregory Rodriguez as a -275 underdog and proceeded to throw a 12-to-6 curveball as a devastating one-punch knockout. Only one question remains: what does he do in order to appear?
Unbeaten Contender Series alumnus Dana White will ride a wave of momentum in his fight with Norselton Rozibov in the featured UFC on ESPN 48 middleweight attraction Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. While Ferreira’s anger at Rodriguez came as a surprise to many, it was of little value to him.
“I know my potential,” he told Sherdog.com. “I believe in my fighting style. I played my game. I was a little worried, but it wasn’t much different than I expected. Once I knew I might be booked against Gregory, I started studying him. That was even before it was official. My coach and I came to terms with it.” To the best strategy. It played exactly as expected. We knew it was dangerous, so we worked very carefully.”
Ferreira’s caution was eased inside the cage. A straight left ball hit the counter at Rodriguez’s circuit four minutes or so into the first round off her pair on Jan. 21.
“It’s my style. I push forward without fear, no matter what my opponent’s game is or who they are,” Ferreira said. “If it’s tall or short, it doesn’t matter. I always fight to get ahead.”
Rosepov, a man who has not tasted defeat in over three years, presents the Brazilian with the next test. The organizational newcomer has eight consecutive victories, all of them with first-round finishes.
“My goal is to beat my opponent,” Ferreira said. “I fantasize about a war, but I also see myself winning in the first or second round. I can’t guarantee the end. I’m ready for war, I hope he is. He’s never faced someone like me. I must respect. I’m not afraid. I have no problem beating it with any I’m a good down to earth person. I’m a good wrestler. I’m a judo black belt, and I’m a jiu-jitsu black belt.”
Rodriguez’s knockout gave Ferrera a jolt of confidence. “I’ve already proven that I can win, no matter who I’m up against,” Ferreira said. “RoboCop” is a knockout artist. Everyone bet on him, and you kicked him out. I’ll pass my next opponent, and then we’ll see what the UFC has to offer me next. Another win will bring me closer to my final goal. I hope to fight once or twice this year.”
Ferreira was originally scheduled to face Abdul Razzaq Al Hassan. But his withdrawal opened the door for Ruzipov, the 29-year-old Uzbek, who has a record of 32 professional victories out of 34 by knockout, technical knockout or submission.
“My opponent has changed but the strategy remains the same: I will bring my game,” Ferreira said. “I am 100% prepared and ready to fight a war. Whoever comes to fight me must be prepared in all areas, because I am a complete athlete. We have come up with strategies for this fight, but the key is to unleash my style.”