Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos returns this weekend at UFC 252. And going into his showdown with Jairzinho Rozenstruik, “Cigano” is looking a little sleeker.
There’s a reason for that, he told Cageside Press at this week’s UFC 252 media day. “Because more weight doesn’t mean that you’re stronger. Not for me actually,” Dos Santos explained. “The biggest difference for me among the other heavyweights is the speed. I’m much faster than them, and I have to be able to use that to my favor. I’m feeling great, I’m feeling fast, I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling able to use all my skills.”
Using all his skills is something Dos Santos (21-7) wants to focus on moving forward. “I have so many tools, I’m a very well-rounded fighter. I can fight in different ways. I have to not impose limits on myself and use everything I’ve got,” he stated. So while Daniel Cormier may be heading off into retirement this weekend, “you will still hear a lot about Junior Dos Santos.”
The GOAT question — the age old debate over who the Greatest of All Time is — was posited to Dos Santos this week. JDS picked a well-known legend who never had the chance to set foot in the octagon. “I would say Fedor Emelianenko. He did amazing things back in the day. I’m a big fan of him.”
Dos Santos’ own career, he said, is right there on top, among the best. “I’m very proud of my career, I’m very proud of everything I did in this sport. I’m only 36 years old, so I still have a lot of time to go,” he said. “They’re saying the winner of Miocic and Cormier will be the best UFC heavyweight ever. Just for now, I agree with it, but just for now.”
As soon as he gets the chance, he’ll change that, Dos Santos added.
Watch the full UFC 252 media day press scrum with Junior Dos Santos above.
