Wagner Prado Hopes To Win Over Polish Crowd At KSW 44

In an interview with MMA Junkie prior to KSW 44, Wagner Prado said that he hoped to win over the Polish audience at the event. He fought Chris Fields at the event. Here are highlights:

On his UFC stint: “It certainly wasn’t a high point in my career. But I think it was necessary for my evolution as a fighter. I watched and rewatched those fights several times. I’ve been fighting differently now, and focusing on what used to be the weaker part of my game. I’m been training a lot of wrestling and jiu-jitsu. … I’m decreasing the number of flaws my opponents might go for. I’m getting really comfortable on the ground, so I can break people on the feet.”

On fighting at middleweight: “He’s moving up to 205 pounds, which is where I’m used to fighting. It doesn’t matter to me with whom he trains. … I’m ready to put on a show. I’ve watched several of his fights. He’s tall. He’s conservative. I think he’ll try to avoid striking with me, and he’ll shoot for my legs right away. I’m training hard to be victorious. I want to put on show for Poland. I’m going to fight with everything I have. I want to see that stadium screaming my name. I’m doing everything I can to mark my name in this organization.”

On the show’s main event: “The main event draws a lot of attention. It makes me happy to be on this card. The place is going to be packed. Polish fans are obsessed with MMA. I’ll be able to show my work to everyone in attendance. I’ll chase after a knockout the entire time. That’s what brought me to this organization. It’s going to be a battle.

“I’m very ready physically and, above all, mentally. I’m thankful to my team and family – everyone who supports me. I’ll chase after this victory relentlessly.”