Godofredo Pepey Says He’s At the Best Stage of His Career

Godofredo Pepey spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight at UFC on FOX 20 and more. Some highlights are below:

On his plans for the fight: “I believe after this fight I will be a threat in the division, for sure. I’m coming off three wins, three ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses, and I’m sure this time is not going to be different. I’m coming to put on a good performance for the crowd, show what I came here to do and scare the rest of the division. I’m sure I can beat anyone in the weight class – which is something that I’ve had in my mind for a while.”

On his next bout: “I take it fight by fight, but I believe after this win – my fourth in a row – I will ask to face one of the top-10, to be really tested. I believe I’ll ask for a top-10 fighter to test myself. I have the ability to beat anyone in my division, I’m sure of it. I believe I’m at the best stage of my career, and it was my best fight camp to date. I’m very happy, and I’m very motivated to fight a top-12 guy. I’ve trained a lot for this fight, in many different areas, and I hope it’s a great one, because I’m very well-prepared.”

On Elkins: “We studied his strengths a lot. He’s a wrestler who also takes chances on the feet. He’s got heavy hands. He’s been with the promotion for a while. If I’m not mistaken he’s had 10 decision wins. But I believe that it will be a bit hard for him to do that with me with my conditioning. My cardio is on point, and I think he’s going to have a hard time keeping up with me in order to take it to a decision. I’m like a robot. I’m programmed to submit him, to knock him out, and if it goes the distance he better have a full gas tank to hold me down. Because I will not stand still. I am sure I will go in there and come out victorious, like the last times. This will be another step to the top.”

On his progression since his TUF Brazil 1 loss: “I’m totally different, my head is different, my muay Thai went from zero to 100. I have another view of MMA now. I’m no longer the jiu-jitsu guy. People used to say I only had the ground game, that I could only do guard game. Now I’m going to dance to whatever music is played. Whoever didn’t like my style of fighting, they’re going to have to get used to it. They’re going to have to get used to me, because I’m coming in with all I’ve got. I’m ready and prepared for any situation and opponent. I want to be tested by the sharks, and I’m sure I’ll fit in.”