Though Punahele Soriano made it look simple on Saturday night time, it was every little thing however a simple street to get to the octagon.
Soriano (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) had a dominant and profitable welterweight debut at UFC on ESPN 57, defeating Baeza (10-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC) in a clear, unanimous resolution win. After the battle, Soriano opened up in regards to the struggled he needed to cope with in preparation.
“The entire camp, I felt a lot stress,” Soriano informed the UFC after the battle. “On daily basis, I used to be considering whether or not I might nonetheless do that, whether or not if that is for me and if I might cope with this. Battle week, for no matter purpose, I had the last word confidence. I used to be supremely assured, no added stress and I believed in myself.”
On a two-fight skid and 1-4 in his previous 5 outings, the doubts crept again the day of the battle. Backstage, warming up for his bout, Soriano needed to battle those self same demons.
“I mentioned this just a few instances, however I used to be considering retirement backstage and due to my man Mike on the (UFC Efficiency Institute), I simply let go of that balloon and began excited about one thing I cared about – like my spouse and my canines, something that I liked,” Soriano mentioned. “(I used to be) finally reminding myself that I really like this sport and love what I do.”
In the long run, Soriano is pleased with the best way issues turned out. He’s pleased with his efficiency and that he obtained to indicate his wrestling expertise.
“I assumed I used to be Khabib,” Soriano mentioned. “I assumed I had a giant afro on my head, and I used to be going to return out talking Dagestan or no matter they communicate. I wasn’t certain who I used to be anymore.”
“I felt a lot stress.”
Punahele Soriano (@puna185) contemplated retirement earlier than making his welterweight debut, getting his first win since July 2022 and looks like he has new life in a brand new division.#UFCLouisville Outcomes, Interviews & Extra ➡️: https://t.co/gAKitEJGRT
— UFC Information (@UFCNews) June 9, 2024
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 57.
Make sure to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.