Making his debut at UFC Boise, Blagoy Ivanov spoke to FanSided MMA’s James Lynch about the upcoming fight with Junior dos Santos.
In the main event of UFC Boise, former WSOF turned PFL heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov will be making his Octagon debut against former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos in what may be a five-round affair.
Ivanov (16-1, 1 NC) spoke with FanSided MMA’s James Lynch about his move to the UFC, his upcoming opponent and where he believes a win will put him in the rankings of the division.
Signing a UFC contract
“The process was like, I had an offer like a year ago and then they give me another one and we signed it quick like in one month.”
Fighting a former champion in Junior dos Santos
“I’m happy to fight against him because he’s a former champion and he’s one of the names in the heavyweight – he’s one of the top guys, so yeah, it will be good for me to fight against him. I feel it will be a tough fight for both and so I think we will not be going five rounds and somebody will get knocked out but let’s see.”
Training at American Kickboxing Academy
“I’m located in Vegas. I did my last camp in San Jose, AKA gym, and most of the time I prepare over there for my fights. My first time was in 2014 and then I keep going to prepare for all my fights like a couple weeks before the fights. So, for this fight, the most time I prepare over there in AKA with Daniel Cormier and Cain Velazquez and the coach Javier Mendez.”
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Being the underdog against Dos Santos
“Yeah I’m not surprised. I think it’s – when you’re an underdog, sometimes it’s better for you because most of the pressure is on him, the favorite. But you never know. It’s heavyweight, you know, one punch and that’s it.”
Thoughts on finishing the fight and position he may be in if successful
“I will try to finish him but you never know. I think it will put me in the top five so I’ll be very close to the title shot. It’s a very good opportunity.”
Thoughts on Cormier’s fight against Brock Lesnar
“I think it’s good because it will be one of the biggest paydays for Daniel so it’s a good opportunity for him.”