Yuri Alcantara Talks Move Down To Bantamweight
Posted on 19 Jan 2013
by MMAScoops.com Staff

MMAjunkie spoke with Yuri Alcantara who now faces UFC newcomer Pedro Nobre for the UFC on FX 7 event. Here are some highlights:

Regarding his change in opponents on short notice: "I had roughly 10 days notice to get ready, but I was already training standup (and) takedowns. It turns out Pedro is also a striker. I think not that much has changed."

His thoughts on his split decision loss to Hacran Dias: "Undeniably, Dias was very big and strong. I felt it. I learned that I also must focus on my physical conditioning and strength, and that I must try harder to finish my opponent and not leave it up to the judges."

Regarding his move down to bantamweight: "It's always better when one fights at a similar size and weight. But I defeated Ricardo Lamas who was big for a featherweight. Overall, it should be a great fight. I see this as a very fast-paced fight with great standup, since neither one of us moves backward."

On his brother Ildemar Alcantara also fighting for the UFC, who is also fighting on the same card: "The UFC had been waiting for an opportunity to pick up my brother, but I didn't expect it would all go down like this. I've been employed by them for a couple of years now and it's great that my brother joins me now."