LAS VEGAS – Vinicius Salvador has leaned into the psychological facet of the battle sport going into UFC Battle Evening 241, and he thinks that’ll produce a spectacular consequence towards Adrian Yanez.
After shedding his first two UFC appearances by break up resolution within the flyweight division, Salvador (14-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) was at a loss about how issues have gone so mistaken. He earned a contract for a nasty TKO win on Dana White’s Contender Collection in August 2022, however his run on the large stage has been troublesome to understand.
That’s why Salvador made some changes for Saturday’s matchup with Yanez (16-5 MMA, 5-2 UFC) on the UFC Apex (ESPN+). The battle will occur at bantamweight, and Salvador mentioned he’s completed what’s essential to recover from the actual fact his UFC document could possibly be flipped at 2-0 if a couple of minor breaks had gone his method.
“Coming off of two losses, after these I’ve been working loads on my psychological facet,” Salvador advised MMA Junkie and different reporters via an interpreter at Wednesday’s media day. “Each of them being break up selections, it’s not one thing you anticipate, so it is advisable work in your psychological facet to get again within the sport. I’m feeling prepared now. I’m feeling 100%, and I went again to my origins, and I really feel pretty much as good as I did once I got here into Contender Collection.”
Salvador’s spirits are boosted by his alternative at UFC Battle Evening 241. Yanez is coming off consecutive losses, as nicely, however he’s a much more identified commodity within the firm and has been ranked at 135 kilos.
One perspective could possibly be that the UFC put this battle collectively to assist Yanez get again on observe, and the betting odds agree with that as he’s at present a sizeable -380 favourite. Salvador, nevertheless, seems at it in another way.
“I used to be really actually shocked UFC put me towards him,” Salvador mentioned. “He’s somebody. There’s a spot within the rankings with him and he’s within the pecking order within the division. What I believe is the UFC did that to me as a result of they trusted me. They put me towards an opponent that’s robust and arduous to beat. I can not sleep on him. I’ve to be very grounded mentally and bodily. I can’t depart any openings for something as a result of he’s a man like me who likes to knock folks out.”
Though each males have confirmed energy when throwing strikes within the cage, Salvador, 27, mentioned he solely sees the consequence going a method.
“It’s going to be a knockout, relaxation assured,” Salvador mentioned. He’s a tricky man. He can take a punch. However you realize what? Write it down, first spherical, I’m going to knock him out.
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