UFC Quick Quote: Luigi Fioravanti knows he can beat Diego Sanchez ... is he the only one?

by MMAmania.com on Jun 17, 2008 9:28 AM EDT Comment 24 comments

luigi fioravanti

"It doesn't really bother me that people seem to [overlook] me, because like I said, it motivates me. I think a lot of people are, and they think he's just going to come in and steamroll me and beat me up. I'm glad I'm the underdog because there's really not much pressure on me.... It makes me train harder, and for this fight, I have trained harder than I ever have before in my career because I want to go out there and prove people wrong. Of course I want to get that respect, but that respect has to be earned. Of course I think he's a good fighter. He's really tough and he's exceptionally good on the ground. He's a top-10 welterweight, but I do think he might be overlooking this fight, you know? A win against him would turn a lot of heads. I know I can beat the guy.... I hit harder and I think I have the better standup, so I know I have to keep it on the feet. I know exactly what he's going to do, too. He will come out and he might throw one punch or even stand a little bit, but then he'll try and bring the fight to the ground and work his ground-and-pound. That's his game. That's what he's really good at. I just gotta work on my takedown defense and rely on my power and my stand-up, and we'll see how the fight goes from there."

-- Luigi Fioravanti is out to prove the doubters wrong when he takes on Diego Sanchez at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 7 Finale from The Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 21. In fact, he tells Sherdog.com that he knows he can defeat the "Nightmare," however, it doesn't seem that many fans are giving him much of a chance. Do you?

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Fioravanti is a good fighter. I just dont see Diego losing this fight though. But in the world of mma, you can never say for sure.

by Joey 1.0 on Jun 17, 2008 9:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i totally agree. i give luigi respect as a fighter and for having the right mental attitude goin into this fight. unfortunately for him, diegos got the better tool set. itd be nice for luigi to pull the upset though—it can happen, right?

by JoeyVitaminB12 on Jun 17, 2008 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am a fan of luigi’s but I dont see him beating Diego. Of Course luigi has a punchers chance, but Diego has an Iron Jaw…I have never seen him even get rocked!

Diego via TKO (ground n pound)

by john on Jun 17, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Nightmare is my favorite WW but I like Luigi a lot. I think even though Diego is improving a lot with his JJ that Luigi will survive all three rounds. He’ll take an ass whoopin and Diego will win Unanimous 30 to 27. Another exciting dispaly by the Nightmare. I am stoked for this. It seems like forever since i have seen Diego fight. The Bielkheden fight lasted like 2 seconds… anyway Luigi is game and this will be a good fight. Sanchez will gain back momentum then they’ll will give him Mike Swick which will put him right back in line. ;-)

by billycarnage on Jun 17, 2008 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with most of what u r saying, but I doubt he will fight Swick Next. Diego will win and even though Koschek will loose to Chris Lytle, the next match up will be Diego vs. Koscheck the rubber match. I hope Diego wins it because even though Diego is a very talented weirdo, I cant stand Kos, and I really do not want to see him get the best of Diego.

Hopefully Diego will put Kos on a 2 fight loosing streak because Lytle will beat Kos on July 5th!

by john on Jun 17, 2008 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m a huge Diego fan. After he crushes Luigi he should get a rubber match with Kos, which he will win, assuming he isn’t on the verge of retiring with a mystery illness. Those two wins should put him in line for a title shot.

by PW on Jun 17, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pw: I am on board with your whole post! I enjoy watching Diego fight, hearing him talk annoys me a little, but I am a fan of his. I actually feel bad for Diego. Fighters like Forrest who get an undue title shot in the UFC cause me to not like them anymore. I was a big Forrest fan, but since being awarded a title shot in the best division in the world with 2 Whopping (Sarcasm) wins over a gimp shogun, and Hector “the sick dog” (more like a load cHiuaha" Ramirez, its hard to root for him.

Diego on the other hand, I feel bad for. He earned a title shot along time ago in my oppinion and the UFC didnt want to give it to him so they matched him up with koschek. He entered that fight on his deathbed basically and instead of backing out of the fight he fought Kos anyway and lost. Kos didnt nothing in that fight but waste all our money and he has been bragging about that B.S win ever since. Lytle will put him in his place next month. I hope Diego gets a rubber match vs. Kos and takes his arm home, or mounts him and beats him into a pulp!

Also, Gsp vs. Diego would be very interesting stylistically. If Diego beats Luigi and then Kos, I would give him a title shot, simply because its OVERDUE!

Another bad ass fight down the line would be Diego vs. tiago Alves

by john on Jun 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea he’s probably the only one. Diego is a beast!

by JV on Jun 17, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I seriously cannot stand sanchez, but I don’t see luigi having much of a chance if the old nightmare shows up.

FIRSTY!

by MMAsubb on Jun 17, 2008 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

damn 2 other people were seriously hitting add comment at the same time as me?!!? you guys are fast =)

by MMAsubb on Jun 17, 2008 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m with you on Diego, I just think he takes himself WAY to seriously.

by Haze on Jun 17, 2008 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he can pull it off, and I’m hoping he does, I’m not a big fan of Diego’s

by Primary_Knukkle on Jun 17, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

fan or no fan.Diego sanchez by stoppage or unanimous decision.u cant neglect the inevidable.

by The Legacy on Jun 17, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Luigi have impressed me by much and I hope he can beat the living out of Diego.

by JonnyBoy on Jun 17, 2008 9:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dam, you want Diego to stop living? I know Diego’s kinda weird but to beat the (living) out of someone is harsh.

by JV on Jun 17, 2008 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think he is underestimating diegos stand up! he is a very good striker with ko power and really good knees! his fight with riggs really showed that! he is a good overall fighter who is very well rounded! luigi should not take diego lightly! i do not think he will knock diego out like he is saying he is going to try and do !

by Winner by Strikes! on Jun 17, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think he said he is taking him lightly at all. He is counting on Diego taking him lightly.

by Bob on Jun 17, 2008 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well ill tell you one thing, If Diego loses or doesnt finsh Lugi It will say alot about where Diego stands in the Welterwieght divison, and should consider going to 155…..and it also would show just how good Jon Fitch is, cause he beat the living shit out of Lugi in there fight.

by Josh on Jun 17, 2008 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i feel you but i think luigis gonna have to pull a rabbit out of his ass to pull this one off.

by The Legacy on Jun 17, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ill give him a chance… A fat chance. Diego is gonna be scary in this fight

by RUSH on Jun 17, 2008 11:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have said it ever since this match was announced. I think Luigi is going to win.

by "Mr. NC-17" on Jun 17, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

im with you on this one. im going to, as far as saying Luigi by ko. i really think dirty sanchez is over rated.he’s a decent fighter, stays busy and gets points, but idk i just think he’s not top tier WW. and he’s a f-ing weirdo.

by jdawg on Jun 17, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Luigi is highly underrated and he always brings out the best in other fighters. Luigi is such a tough competitor, I think he will get his due, and work his stand up and then take down Diego and work his ground and pound.. That is how I think this fight will happen.