Sakara wants to fight Bisping in Rome
When Alessio made the move to middleweight, he also made the move to a new home: American Top Team in…
When Alessio made the move to middleweight, he also made the move to a new home: American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL. It is there that he has been preparing for his UFC 122 battle with Jorge Rivera.
Dave Herbert: How do you see the Rivera fight ending?
Alessio Sakara: I don’t want it to go to the judges and I am sure Jorge doesn’t want to either, so I plan to knock him out.
DH: Who is your favorite sparring partner at Coconut Creek when you are preparing for a fight?
AS: I work alot with Thiago Silva. He helps me with the striking and Jiu Jitsu. Thiago Alves too. So many good fighters. Jorge Santiago and Hector Lombard are good for hard sparring too.
DH: Are you going into battle with the beard?
AS: Yes, the beard is my look now. It’s the Roman style.
DH: What is your dream fight at 185 lbs?
AS: Right now Michael Bisping. He is a very tough guy; a great fighter. I have no problem with Bisping. It is a good fight because of one thing: Italy Vs England! This is very nice for the European fans. Everyone knows about the intense Italy/England soccer rivalry. When we play them in Rome there is problems and when we go to London to play them, there is always problems. It is good for the fans but good for me too. He is a very tough opponent and that is who I like to fight. I have no problem fighting him in London or Manchester. My whole life I never get to fight at home. I’m always fighting somewhere else; in enemy territory, so I am used to it. It would also be cool to fight him in Rome if the UFC can make the trip to Italy. For now I am focused on Rivera but it is a fight I want very much.
DH: How would you feel about this fight if you win?
AS: I have actually already planned to go to Dana White and UFC to ask for this fight if I win, but again I am focused on Rivera right now. He is a tough opponent and I want to win for my family and for my father.
DH: Do you feel a new sort of motivation to win this next for your father? (Sakara’s father recently passed away)
AS: I definitely feel more motivation to win this fight not just for my father, but for my family too. My oldest son, Leonidas is getting older and he going to be a fighter. He needs to see me win and learn from me.
DH: Leonidas, as in King Leonidas?
AS: Yes.
