Pat Sabatini | Oozing Confidence, Aiming for the Top 15

While he is nonetheless a person of few phrases, the 35-year-old Marquez MMA consultant simply seems to be much less tense as he makes the stroll to the Octagon. In interviews, he is faster to snigger, a little bit extra detailed and expressive together with his solutions, and there’s a renewed sense of enjoyment that radiates off him that wasn’t current when he first began working his approach ahead in the talent-rich featherweight division.

“I’ve always had the discipline, but I feel like this is the real superpower is being able to harness that presence, use the mind the way it’s meant to be used, and them just go in there and shine; simple as that,” he mentioned. “Your mind doesn’t come with a manual, so learning how to use it properly has paid dividends… I feel like I’m oozing with confidence and it’s only the tip of the iceberg; it’s only going to keep getting better with time.”

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That self-belief has at all times been there, however (*15*) is clearly extra comfy expressing it aloud today. While successful at all times makes it simpler to talk your thoughts and stake your case, the Philadelphia native and former two-time CFFC champ has been clearer about his impression of the place he matches inside the division and his aspirations going ahead, even when these needs have not at all times been granted.

Following his win over Mariscal, (*15*) spoke each in the Octagon and at his post-fight media availability about desirous to face somebody in the rankings. He’s made no bones about his perception that he is the finest grappler in the division and is able to show that, and whereas Saturday’s pairing with Gomis would not align him reverse a ranked opponent, it’s one other alternative to face an ultra-tough and underrated featherweight.