Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight veteran Alessio Sakara (15-8) has only competed once over the past two years, a three round unanimous decision beatdown at the hands of surging division prospect Chris Weidman.
A myriad of injuries, illnesses and what the Italian boxer refers to as all-around "bad luck" has plagued him in recent years, taking the momentum out of a three-fight winning streak, prior to his loss to the "All American," that began back in late 2008.
But a win over wily war hero Brian Stann at UFC on FUEL TV 2 booked for April 14, 2012, at the Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, could quickly put him back on the fast-track to bigger and better opportunities inside the Octagon.
"Legionarius" breaks down his upcoming battle (via Tatame.com) after the jump.
"I really believe my boxing skills for this fight but we train it all. We’ll see if I have to change my game plan on this one. The trainings here at American Top Team (ATT) are great. There are many good sparrings. Me and Thiago Silva train a lot together and it’s all perfect for this fight. Stann is a tough guy and was close to fighting Anderson (Silva), but it’s not impossible beating him. You just have to be ready for it ... And that’s why I train at ATT. I really believe my Boxing skills for this fight but we train it all. We’ll see if I have to change my game plan on this one. (Chael) Sonnen was perfect against him and I’m sure I can beat him if things take place on the ground. I didn’t have much luck these last couple of years, but I’m coming back with everything I’ve got to get rid of this bad luck that’s been stalking me."
Stann (11-4) also saw his three-fight win streak come to an abrupt halt, thanks to hands of Chael Sonnen, who cut off the oxygen at UFC 136: "Edgar vs. Maynard 3" back in October of last year.
He was widely considered to be a strong contender for division deity Anderson Silva until the recent hiccup, but will no doubt be looking to get back on his war horse for another run at 185-pound gold. Unless Sakara has something to say about it first.
Who ya' got?
More on this middleweight tilt by clicking here.