Sometimes, a sudden opponent change happens for the best, at least that’s how UFC heavyweight contender Augusto Sakai looks at it. Originally paired up against Shamil Abdurakhimov for a bout on May 1, the Brazilian had his match delayed one month after the Russian was forced to pull out due to injury. Because of that, Sakai ended up booked against Jairzinho Rozenstruik for a headliner on June 5.
Currently the ninth heavyweight in the official rankings, Sakai explained to Tatame how the shift was a much welcome one. Prior to the change, Augusto was set to face the number seven heavyweight, whereas now he is paired up against the sixth man in a headliner.