This May, in the main event of the stacked UFC 211, former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos will attempt to reclaim the title he once owned by taking out reigning champ Stipe Miocic. The bout will be a rematch of a 2014 contest, which Dos Santos won with a close decision.
Though this will surely not be an easy fight, the former champ is optimistic about his chances. In a recent interview with MMALatest.com, he explained that he’s feeling good, and ready to remind the world what he’s capable of.
“I have a very good energy right now. I’m feeling good. My son was just born, so things are going well,” said Dos Santos. “Before, things weren’t working the way I wanted because I allowed the bad energy to get on me. Now, I understand it better. I’m a lot more stronger mentally, so I don’t think anything of these negative situations will reach me again. I’m just gonna show everybody what I’m capable to do.”
Dos Santos also explained that he’s much happier competing in the UFC heavyweight division now that the United States Anti-Doping Administration is making efforts to clean up the sport.
“Things are different now,” he said of today’s MMA landscape. “I’m saying this all the time, but I will keep saying because it’s true, everybody can take a look and will see it – after USADA is here? No superheroes anymore! Guys are getting tired. Now, that’s why I’m calling this moment as ‘the moment of truth’. I really believe everyone will see. The masks will fall off and everybody will see the reality of everything.”
Finally, Dos Santos also offered his prediction for his upcoming showdown with Miocic.
“I will finish him in the second round,” he said. “Before the end of the second round, I will finish him this time.”
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This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/26/2017.