Las Vegas, NV – After being away from the octagon for well over a year UFC lightweight Diego Ferreira is back to take on Michael Johnson at UFC Vegas 73 on Saturday night.
“It feels great. I bring this energy and it’s good to feel welcome over here. It’s great to be back specially (after) a year-and-a-half away. I love it. I love this energy right now,” Ferreira told reporters on Wednesday.
Ferreira (17-5) was scheduled to take on Drakkar Klose last July, but withdrew due to injury.
“July I suffered an injury, you know, I don’t know what I can say. It was under my collarbone, my rib, a light fracture. It took me a real good time to recover, but now I’m back and better than ever,” he said.
“Took me that time to focus on myself.”
The time away wasn’t wasted, but it was certainly needed to recover. Ferreira focused on himself and took his time returning to the cage.
“I took this time. I was not in a rush to get back after an injury. I kind of like (took) a step back. One thing I came back to compete more Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s great (to be able to) visualize what’s going to be my goal (from now) on,” he said.
His first fight back he gets Johnson who, like him, has plenty of experience in the octagon. Johnson does have a leg up on the names he’s fought, and Ferreira gives his opponent all due respect.
“I’ve been watching Michael Johnson for a long time. This guy is dangerous (in) every aspect. The hands, or his wrestling, everything,” said Ferreira.
“I feel this is my moment. I know he’s a strong guy, a great competitor, it’s something I need to have a challenge. Specially in our division. You cannot be really choosing fights.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Diego Ferreira above. He takes on Michael Johnson at UFC Vegas 73 on Saturday night.
