Though Punahele Soriano made it look straightforward on Saturday evening, it was every thing however a simple street to get to the octagon.
Soriano (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) had a dominant and profitable welterweight debut at UFC on ESPN 57, defeating Baeza (10-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC) in a clear, unanimous resolution win. After the combat, Soriano opened up in regards to the struggled he needed to cope with in preparation.
“The entire camp, I felt a lot strain,” Soriano instructed the UFC after the combat. “Every single day, I used to be considering whether or not I might nonetheless do that, whether or not if that is for me and if I might cope with this. Combat week, for no matter motive, I had the last word confidence. I used to be supremely assured, no added strain and I believed in myself.”
On a two-fight skid and 1-4 in his previous 5 outings, the doubts crept again the day of the combat. Backstage, warming up for his bout, Soriano needed to battle those self same demons.
“I stated this a couple of occasions, however I used to be considering retirement backstage and because of my man Mike on the (UFC Efficiency Institute), I simply let go of that balloon and began fascinated with one thing I cared about – like my spouse and my canines, something that I beloved,” Soriano stated. “(I used to be) finally reminding myself that I really like this sport and love what I do.”
Ultimately, Soriano is proud of the way in which issues turned out. He’s pleased with his efficiency and that he bought to point out his wrestling expertise.
“I believed I used to be Khabib,” Soriano stated. “I believed I had an enormous afro on my head, and I used to be going to return out talking Dagestan or no matter they converse. I wasn’t positive who I used to be anymore.”
“I felt a lot strain.”
Punahele Soriano (@puna185) contemplated retirement earlier than making his welterweight debut, getting his first win since July 2022 and looks like he has new life in a brand new division.#UFCLouisville Outcomes, Interviews & Extra ➡️:
— UFC Information (@UFCNews) June 9, 2024
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