Interview with Gabriel Miranda Ahead of UFC Paris

Fight Preview:

Benoit Saint-Denis (9-1 overall, 1-1 in the UFC) will have the crowd on his side as the Frenchman makes his third walk to the UFC octagon. After a damaging loss up a division in his debut against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos last October, Saint-Denis picked up his first UFC win in his last outing, submitting Niklas Stolze with a round-two rear-naked choke. A finisher at all costs, Saint-Denis has incredible front chokes and has finished eight of his nine wins by submission. 

Gabriel Miranda (16-5 overall, 0-0 in the UFC) finally gets to make his UFC debut on the road on Saturday. An incredible grappler, Miranda has a 100% finish rate and 15 of 16 wins by submission. His striking has not caught up to his ground game just yet, but if this fight hits the floor, Saint-Denis could be in trouble. Miranda is a considerably +220 underdog for this fight, but he is out to prove he’s ready for the UFC when makes the walk this weekend. 

Interview with Gabriel Miranda:

Danny Podolsky: What was it like to finally be called up to the UFC? 

Gabriel Miranda: It was the realization of a great dream and an important achievement in my career.  A lot of work and dedication brought me here.  And now it"s time for a new phase and new goals, and the first will be to win in my debut. 

Podolsky: Have you watched any of Saint-Denis" previous fights and is that part of how you train? 

Miranda: Yes, his debut in the UFC was against my friend Elizeu Capoeira [Zaleski Dos Santos], and I was part of the whole camp. I know that Benoit is an excellent athlete and someone who will be a tough challenge. 

Podolsky: You are entering enemy territory by fighting in France, does that add any pressure on you? 

Miranda: No pressure, I"m used to being the visitor who ruins the host"s party.   

Podolsky: You are an underdog for this fight at a +220 line. Is this something you pay attention to?

Miranda: I need to learn about this, I don"t know anything about betting.  But I know that the bet does not interfere with anything in what I trained and in my day to day.  So from what vice told me whoever bets on me will win good money Saturday. 

Podolsky: As a newcomer to the UFC, what should fans who aren"t familiar with your game know about you?

Miranda: I"m a guy who goes to finish, I don"t fight for points. I"m going for the knockout or the submission. I believe you will like my style.

Podolsky: Did you ever train with Colby Covington at the MMA Masters? How is he in training? 

Miranda: He is a very nice and dedicated guy.  All the staff at MMA Masters are very professional with what they do and the work is done very well. I"m ready for the show.

Podolsky: What is your official prediction for this fight? Miranda: Honestly it will be the fight of the night, he"s motivated to be fighting at home and I"m making my debut.  Both of us are eager to do our best and that will enhance the event.