Lessons in Resilience

Augusto Sakai’s seven-fight run in the Ultimate Fighting Championship so far has been a study in momentum, and a lesson in what he terms “resilience.”

Upon signing with the Las Vegas promotion in August 2018 after scoring an impressive second-round knockout on the very first episode of Dana White's Contender Series Brazil, Sakai rattled off four straight wins in under two years, entering the heavyweight rankings and earning his first main event booking. That headlining bout, against perennial contender Alistair Overeem on Sept. 5, 2020, had the potential to vault Sakai into the title discussion should he win, but it was not to be. After a strong start, Sakai was overwhelmed in the later rounds by the Dutch veteran, who battered and bloodied him en route to a fifth-round stoppage.

The setback against Overeem was followed by two more knockout losses to Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Tai Tuivasa, the first losing streak of Sakai’s career. Heading into UFC on ESPN 40 this Saturday, the 31-year-old from Curitiba, Brazil, finds himself in an unusual place. He has lost three fights in a row, which often means desperate straits for a fighter hoping to stay on roster, yet all of those losses have come against ranked contenders. Despite that relentless slate, Sakai’s next test is not exactly a soft booking, as Sergey Spivak has won four of his last five bouts and is on the cusp of the Top 15. Ahead of his high-stakes assignment at “UFC Vegas 59,” Sakai spoke to Sherdog about his mindset, his upcoming opponent and his own preparation.

“It’s a complex and difficult situation,” he said. “I’ve never gone through this in my career. But when you fight at such a high level in the UFC, these things happen. I’ve been looking to fix the errors I’ve made, and to improve upon what I already do well. Everyone at American Top Team has been helping me climb my way back to the top. I know I have the potential to do it. I went on a four-fight winning streak in the UFC. I know I can do that and even more within our weight class. We’re working hard, focused on winning. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans. It’s a tough situation I’m in, but the key word in times like these is resilience.”

Regarding Spivak, Sakai recognizes the challenge he faces in the 27-year-old from Moldova. “He’s very tough. He has good qualities, and he’s been having good fights in the heavyweight class. I believe ours will be a very strategic fight. He wants to be ranked, and I want to get back to winning. I expect to get a finish as soon as possible.”

That confidence may have its roots in preparation. While Sakai has trained in Brazil as well as the United States over the years, he expressed contentment with his decision to train for this fight at American Top Team, citing the large and diverse cast of training partners the Florida-based giant offers.

“I’ve been in the United States for some time, training at American Top Team,” he said. “They’ve always had open doors for me. Coaches “Katel” Kubis and Luciano “Macarrao” brought me here. They’re originally from my hometown, Curitiba. Besides the two of them, I get a lot of great help from the rest of the coaching staff and from all the fighters here – Marcelo Golm, Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, Said Sowma and Klidson Abreu. We have a great heavyweight team. We’re ready.

“I’m coming off negative results, but they’ve been learning experiences,” he concluded. “I’m happy to have yet another chance to show my work. Without a doubt, I’ll have a great victory so I can return to my winning ways. A lot of good things have yet to come.”