Felipe Franco is set to make his UFC debut on Saturday in London. He will face the undefeated heavyweight Mario Pinto in a preliminary match. This fight marks a significant milestone in Franco’s career as he looks to begin his journey in the octagon with a strong performance.
Franco’s Relationship with Jailton Almeida
Franco trains at Galpão da Luta in Brazil alongside Jailton Almeida. Recently, Almeida was released from the UFC after two consecutive decision losses. Franco expressed that he felt the release was harsh and reflective of the current demands for non-stop excitement and entertainment in the UFC, especially following their new deal with Paramount+.
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“The UFC wants to see blood and action,” Franco explained. He emphasized that fighters are now under pressure to deliver thrilling performances. Almeida’s departure to the Russian promotion ACA has not diminished Franco’s belief in his friend’s abilities. “I think his release was unfair, and he will come back strong,” Franco stated.
Franco’s Fight Background
Known as “Negão,” Franco comes into this fight with an impressive record of 10 wins and 1 loss. Notably, all his victories have been secured through knockouts or submissions. Despite a setback in Dana White’s Contender Series where he lost to Freddy Vidal, Franco rebounded with two finishes in Brazil before gaining this opportunity against Pinto.
Pre-Fight Preparations
- Franco reviewed his Contender Series defeat to identify areas for improvement.
- He focused on enhancing his skills in preparation for this debut.
“We studied Pinto’s fighting style closely,” Franco said. “He is a strong opponent, but he is not unbeatable.” He believes there are weaknesses in Pinto’s game that he can exploit.
Looking Ahead: UFC London Showdown
Franco anticipates an exciting match on Saturday and intends to showcase his improvements. “I’ll have surprises for him,” he promised. The fight represents more than just a debut; it’s an opportunity for Franco to carry forward Almeida’s legacy and chase his own dream of becoming a UFC champion.
