Lucas Alexander Maximizing Minimal Time

Now that Lucas Alexander has lit a spark in the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight division, he must prove he can build an actual fire.

The 28-year-old Brazilian will step back into view at the UFC Apex, where he does battle with Jeka Saragih as part of the UFC Fight Night 232 undercard on Saturday in Las Vegas. Alexander has won six of his past seven bouts. He evened his Octagon record at 1-1 in March, when he took a unanimous decision from Fortis MMA’s Steven Peterson at UFC on ESPN 43.

“For me, it was important to get a win over an experienced fighter,” Alexander told Sherdog.com. “It solidified my position in the UFC. The way I won—that was important. I worked hard to make that happen. It was very gratifying. I expect this is the start of a winning streak.”

Next on Alexander’s hit list: Saragih, a “Road to UFC” Season 1 tournament finalist. The Indonesia native made his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 218, where he succumbed to second-round punches and elbows from Anshul Jubli on Feb. 4. Saragih, 28, has gone the distance only once in his 16-fight career.

“In the end, an opponent is an opponent,” Alexander said. “All that varies are some characteristics, pluses and minuses. My coaches and I study my opponents well to formulate the best strategy. I expect a great fight.”

Alexander operates out of Fusion X-Cel in Ocoee, Florida, where he trains under coaches Julien Williams, Dominique Simmons and Bruno Antunes. A number of world-class stablemates call the gym home, including Philip Rowe, Lyoto Machida and Rodolfo Vieira.

“We’re doing great work for this bout,” Alexander said. “I can hardly wait to be able to put everything into practice. Everyone has been a big help, both on the ground and on the feet. I have tremendous support.”

Alexander has aspirations for the future, and they all start with Saragih.

“I plan to win at least two in a row to further solidify my place in the UFC,” he said. “I’m looking forward to closing out the year with a golden key: renewing my contract. Then next year I’ll continue to work toward getting into the Top 15 or even the Top 10. I hope to keep fighting three times a year. In the end, we only get 15 minutes to put all our work into practice. I expect it will all work out for the best.”