• UFC On Fox

Dos Santos won't let occasion ruin his big night

ESPN staff
November 8, 2011
Junior Dos Santos is 7-0 in the UFC © Getty Images
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Junior Dos Santos admits media duties have never been so intense ahead of his UFC heavyweight title fight with Cain Velasquez, but he insists he is staying cool under pressure.

Dos Santos and Velasquez are both undefeated in their UFC careers ahead of Saturday's historic encounter, which sees the UFC debut on FOX. The pair will form arguably the most talented world heavyweight title bout in the sport's history, with Velasquez entering as champion.

Brazilian boxer Dos Santos is a growing presence in the UFC, beating Shane Carwin in his last outing, in addition to taking a coaching role on TUF 13. A superb personality, the 27-year-old will want to remind people of his true talents - his striking - in Anaheim, and he insists the occasion will not get the better of him.

"I don't see it as a pressure, but extra motivation," Dos Santos told Tatame. "I want to do the best inside the Octagon and make my Brazilian fans proud.

"I'm glad to see the sport growing, being recognised and it deserves to be. I'm sure I'm living a special moment of my career and my life, it seems like a dream.

"The media has been talking more to me than before, absolutely. Many invitations and requests for interviews, it's actually hard to find time to train and deal with it, because it's my preparation week.

"[But] I'm glad to feel their interest and people's affection, and I feel they have my back on this journey. I'll go there carrying a positive energy, I'll be faithful and I'll pour my heart out to bring this belt to Brazil."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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