It’s been over a year since we last saw Douglas Silva de Andrade. That fight marked the former bantamweight’s return to 145lbs, where he defeated another former bantamweight, ex-champ Renan Barao. Now, Andrade returns for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic, at UFC Fight Island 8 against Lerone Murphy.
“Because of COVID, it was a bad last year,” the Brazilian said via his translator, Walid Ismail, during a virtual media day to promote UFC Fight Island 8. Still, the fighter “always kept in shape, always trained,” he stated.
Heading into the fight with Murphy in Abu Dhabi, he plans on knocking out his opponent. Because “the people cannot forget,” he stated, alluding to what he’s accomplished thus far in his career. “26 wins, and just three defeats.” Not to mention that defeat of a former champ.
“I’m very happy right now. I would very much like to knock out my next opponent, I’m very motivated to knock out my next opponent,” he added. “And I’ll think about the next one, because I really want the top five, top ten.”
Douglas Silva de Andrade faces Lerone Murphy at UFC Fight Island 8 this Wednesday, January 20 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The main card airs live on ESPN (TSN in Canada) starting at 12PM ET.
