Thiago
Santos is an underdog against Jamahal
Hill in the
UFC on ESPN 40 main event, but the odds don’t bother the
Brazilian at all.
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“Facing scary guys like him really motivates me,’ Santos told
Sherdog.com. “Hill is a tall guy, very aggressive and walks
forward all the time. [Jiri] Prochazka, Hill, those are exactly the
type of opponents I like to face. I truly hope he fights
against me like he fought [Johnny] Walker and [Jimmy]
Crute. If I don’t knock him out by the second round, he will
be punished for five rounds.”
According to “Marreta,” the strategy that worked for Hill against
Walker won’t work against him. Hill defeated Walker by first-round
knockout in the UFC Fight Night 201 main event on Feb. 19.
„Walker was fighting well but was surprised when Hill changed his
southpaw stance to orthodox and ended up being caught,” Santos
said. “That’s not my case. I also fight in both stances. If he
changes stances, it is no surprise to me. In that chess match,
I see myself having the advantage in all areas — better
striking, heavier puncher, better in wrestling, jiu-jitsu and also
more experienced.
“Of course, this is MMA. Hill is a very talented kid with
knockout power and deserves all my respect, but I truly see
myself winning this one via knockout or submission.”