Tampa – UFC light heavyweight Dustin Jacoby isn’t feeling the pressure of a possible must-win fight with Vitor Petrino at UFC Tampa on Saturday night.
Jacoby (19-9-1) has gone 1-4 in his last five bouts, but he’s not letting that get in his head as he prepares for a tough one with Petrino on Saturday.
“I’ve been there before. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just going to go out there and compete and perform,” Jacoby told reporters on Wednesday.
“I believe in myself, I’ve always believed in myself, I always prepare properly. I truly believe that I can get the job done.”
The Colorado product has a strong supporting cast, but one name that has always been in his ear is Anthony Smith. Smith fought at UFC 310 last Saturday, taking a TKO loss against Dominick Reyes, and hinted at retirement in his post-fight interview.
“It was tough to see man. I felt really bad for him. Scott was a great guy, his coach, I did a lot of training with Scott (Morton). Anytime I went to Anthony’s gym and worked with him, Scottie was always there,” he said.
“I felt really bad for him man. I was worried for him going in there just because I knew he was going to be pretty emotional. Then when I saw the walkout, I saw the tears, I didn’t think he was in the best space in his mind.”
Smith ended up losing the fight, but Jacoby still has the utmost respect for his friend.
“He’s a warrior. He’s a true combat veteran. He’s a guy that’s been through it to get to it. Been on the same path as me. Fought over 50 pro fights and very tough guy,” he said.
“He’s always game. He’s always tough.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Dustin Jacoby above. He takes on Vitor Petrino at UFC Tampa on Saturday night.
