Marco Tulio needed to undergo “the world’s most tough job interview” twice to earn a contract within the UFC. Now he’s centered on exhibiting his abilities contained in the octagon.
The Chute Boxe Diego Lima middleweight debuts in opposition to Ihor Potieria at UFC Vegas 101 on Saturday after a pair of Contender Sequence wins over Yousri Belgaroui and Matthieu Duclos and feels additional assured after surviving the stress of performing for a deal in entrance of UFC CEO Dana White and firm matchmakers.
“I’ve fought guys with names up to now, like ex-UFC Glaico [Franca] and even Yousri, who has all this hype due to his identify and proved that hype doesn’t make any totally different,” Tulio instructed MMA Preventing. “It’s two males in there and what speaks louder is battle IQ and abilities. I used to be by no means impressed by hype. You see guys which can be hyped within the UFC however don’t ship all that when it’s time to battle.”
Tulio has received eight in a row with 5 knockouts since 2021 whereas Potieria, his opponent at UFC Vegas 101, appears to be like to regain momentum after 4 losses in his previous 5 appearances since retiring legendary veteran Mauricio Rua with a first-round knockout in 2023.
“I believe it’s an ideal matchup as a result of he already has a reputation and a profession contained in the UFC,” Tulio mentioned. “He has fought some Brazilians and that’s one thing I need to work on, particularly when look eye to eye. I bear in mind him dancing over ‘Shogun’ and now folks saying he solely fights with Brazilians, however I respect him.”
Potieria has shared the octagon with three different Brazilians since his win over Rua, shedding to Rodolfo Bellato, Michel Pereira and Cesar Almeida. Tulio sees him as a talented opponent, however ensures he has the perfect gameplan to “neutralize him” and win.
“I see many holes in his sport, each on the ft and on the bottom,” Tulio mentioned. “I’m a MMA fighter. I’ve a background in putting however my wrestling and jiu-jitsu are getting higher on daily basis extra. I’ve been engaged on turning into extra well-rounded. I’m certain I’m higher than him on the ft, but when I’ve the chance to take him down and go for a submission, I’ll be open to that. That mentioned, my standup will make all of the distinction.”
