Matheus Camilo delivered the biggest victory of his MMA career with an explosive performance at UFC Fight Night 280, finishing hometown favorite Nazim Sadykhov in just 91 seconds.
The Brazilian lightweight left Baku, Azerbaijan with a signature win and said the result reflected the work he and his team put in throughout training camp.
Camilo says ‘intention’ shaped his entire fight camp
Camilo admitted he was thrilled after earning the quick stoppage, especially in front of a crowd that was firmly behind his opponent.
“I’m so happy right now. … Many people talked about me and when I go in front of a crowd like that, it just motivates me more and more.”
The Las Vegas-based Brazilian expected Sadykhov to apply constant pressure. Because of that, he built his game plan around a single word that became the foundation of his preparation.
“I worked on this a lot in the locker room – a lot, a lot. I knew he was going to come pressure,”
“If I stayed there and put my shots, he was not going to handle it. … Everything that I did was with intention.”
Camilo explained that the focus on purpose and precision became even stronger as fight week approached.
Brazilian lightweight eager for another fight
With the victory improving his professional record to 11-3 and his UFC mark to 2-1, Camilo is already looking ahead. He hopes to stay active before the end of the year and continue climbing the lightweight rankings.
The 24-year-old also made it clear that his long-term ambitions remain unchanged.
“I can’t wait to be a world champion one day. I work a lot for this. It’s just the beginning, and I can’t wait for the future,”
Camilo added that he is healthy after the fight and hopes to return to the Octagon in November.
“I can’t wait to fight again. I hope so, November. I’m ready. No injuries, no nothing, I’m healthy.”