D’Alelio: If I can get past Modafferi, I can beat anyone

Sarah D’Alelio fights Roxanne Modafferi in the co-main event of Invicta FC 23 on May 20, 2017, at Scottish Rite Temple in City Kansas City, Missouri. D’Alelio went 1-4 before dropping from bantamweight to flyweight, and has since gone 4-0, three by submission.

It was possible I was fighting up a weight class my whole career, said D’Alelio to Mick Hammon for MMA Weekly.

And with experience, she learned to make the butterflies fly in formation.

As you fight and learn things, the experience of being in the cage makes it not be so scary, said D’Alelio. You can think through the fear. The fear and nervousness is always going to be there, but knowing that makes it easier to deal with.

I definitely can’t underestimate [Modafferi]. She is experienced. She is smart. Just go in and know that at any moment she can do anything really that I’m going to have to deal with. That’s a strong, smart, experienced fighter that I have to go in with and find a way to manage.

Just staying in that mindset where she’s going to throw something at me and do all these things at me, and that I’ll have to deal with it at any point. That’s the biggest thing: keeping my wits about me and not underestimating her.

Definitely the goal is to get the belt by the end of the year. But first I have to deal with Roxy. I’m definitely not looking beyond her. She’s like the gatekeeper to me. I feel like if I can get past her, I can get past anybody.

Main Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Vanessa Porto vs. Agnieszka Niedźwiedź
Sarah D’Alelio vs. Roxanne Modafferi
Herica Tiburcio vs. Tessa Simpson
Elizabeth Phillips vs. Kelly Faszholz
Andrea Lee vs. Liz Tracy
Ediane Gomes vs. Pam Sorenson
Christine Ferea vs. Tiffany van Soest
Shaianna Rincon vs. Brooksie Bayard