Francimar Barroso Says He Feels Very Valued Fighting at UFC Fight Night 87

Francimar Barroso spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with Nikita Krylov at UFC Fight Night 87. Some highlights are below:

On fighting in the Netherlands: “Today I feel even more valued by the organization, not that I didn’t before. It’s highly important to be showing my work in North America and in Europe now. I’ve had no difficulties adapting to the international circuit. It went off without a hitch in Boston, where I felt and fought well. I’m confident it will be the same in the Netherlands, He will be the local favorite, I think. Who knows? There might be some Brazilians on hand too.”

On his plan for the fight: ”I can’t say how I’ll win the fight, but the idea is to do it quickly and without injury so I can go home to my family and return to action as soon as possible. My preference would be to win by knockout, no doubt, and to have the best fight of the night. But if it lasts three rounds, he can be sure that I’ll be fighting it out with him at every moment, until one of us drops – or both. If it goes to decision, it will be after a true battle.”

On Krylov: “He’s coming off three victories in the UFC. He’s a little younger than me. But I am highly experienced. And facing a younger opponent has never been a problem for me.”

On his goals in the UFC: “I will make it to the top five, and I will fight for the belt one day. I wake up thinking about it every day. It’s a fact. I will get there. I’m still finding myself in the organization. I still have a lot more to show. In every fight I’m always going to give my best. It’s one step at a time. I’m patient. And I will reach my goal, which is to contend for the belt and be among the best. Once again, on May 8, I’ll prove why I’m worthy of being in the UFC.”