Dani Bárez is all set to return to the octagon as he takes on Víctor Altamirano at UFC Paris on September 28. The Spaniard was given a short notice fight last time but this time, he has plenty of time to prepare. In his recent interview, he shared his thoughts about the upcoming fight.
Return to competition
Bárez started by speaking about his recent return to the octagon after a period of absence. He admitted that he’s been motivated by his desire to return to fighting and make the most of his chances. “I’ve been given plenty of notice so I have a good training camp ahead of me. The positive part is that I will be a local fighter supported by my family and friends,” he claimed.
Confidence in victory
Despite feeling surprised by his rival, Bárez is confident of victory. He believed that he has improved since his debut in the UFC and is now fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. “I am 100% sure that I will take the victory,” he acknowledged.
Rival’s capabilities
Bárez acknowledged that his rival, Altamirano, is a complete fighter but emphasized that this is an important fight for both of them. “You can’t be overconfident, even though Altamirano may not be a European fighter, he is still a solid rival,” he said.
UFC Paris
Negotiations with the UFC can be tricky but Bárez revealed that he’s always had a clear idea of the date for his return. “My manager told me to keep training. I told him the perfect date would be UFC Paris, and when they told me that I was going to fight there against Altamirano, I felt a rush of emotions,” he said.
Life after tragedy
Bárez went through a tough year in which he faced personal tragedies. However, his return to the octagon has provided him with a sense of motivation and purpose. He’s determined to build a strong legacy in the UFC.
Building a legacy
“I don’t care who gets in my way, I want to win my first fight and fight as many times as possible against tough rivals so I can move up quickly in the rankings. Money is important but more important is building a legacy,” Bárez emphasized.
UFC and compatriots
Lastly, Bárez had high praise for his fellow compatriot, Ilia Topuria and his friend, Joel Alerss. He believed that with the right mental approach, both can succeed in the highly competitive UFC environment.