Carlos Diego Ferreira recently stopped by the Top Turtle MMA Podcast to discuss a number of topics including his upcoming fight in Abu Dhabi. 

Abu Dhabi 

Even though the UFC has only been to Abu Dhabi 3 times in the history of the business, this will not be Ferreira’s first time to the city. In fact, he’s competed multiple times in Abu Dhabi as part of jiu jitsu competitions. Going into UFC 242, he carries fond memories of his competitions.

“I fought in Abu Dhabi already in Brazilian jiu jitsu and it’s an awesome country,” he said. “I’m excited to get back in again and especially fighting MMA.”

Although Abu Dhabi was first and foremost a grappling city, largely due to the ADCC world grappling championships, Ferreira notes that this is a place that welcomes all kinds of combat. 

“I think they appreciate combat sports in general,” he said. “From what I see the whole country is super involved in mixed martial arts.”

Ranking

Ferreira steps into the octagon this weekend looking to make it 5-straight victories. His last loss came over 4 years ago at the hands of UFC 242 headliner Dustin Poirier. Even though the run has been impressive, he’s not upset that he’s on the outside of the top 15 looking in.

“I’m not surprised. I know that this is one more step to the top,” he said. “I know after this one I’m probably going to get someone who is ranked.”

With that being said, he credits his opponent, Mairbek Taisumov, who also has an incredible, overlooked record coming into this fight. This makes it a fight where Ferreira feels he can really break through. 

“He comes in with a bigger streak than me,” he points out. “And I know this is just the beginning.”

Throwing Hands

Heading into this fight with Taisumov, not only are their recent records intriguing, but the style in which they fight is. Ferreira notes that he loves the fact that his opponent isn’t afraid of some violence. 

“I think we match up well because he likes to throw really hard hands,” Ferreira says adding “I’m the type who’s more of a boxer.”

This may seem like an odd claim from someone who is a third-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. However, after all the work he’s put in with Fortis MMA, Ferreira isn’t shy when you ask him if he prefers to throw hands now. 

“I think so - I prefer to do stand up now,” Ferreira admits. “I’m getting more comfortable every single time [in the cage].”

We’ll see just how comfortable he is this weekend when he steps in with the Chechen knockout artist.