“I try not to think much about the future in that way; I’m just worried about what I can do today,” offered Matsumoto when asked for his thoughts on the division and where he stacks up before adding, “but since I feel that I beat Rob Font, I’m someone that is able to compete with anyone in the top of this division and I’m ready for that level of competition.
“I think a win this Saturday puts me in the conversation to be fighting someone in the Top 15, Top 10 and I want to show people that I’m a different type of fighter — a better fighter, a smarter fighter, and someone that can fight against anyone in the division.”
Order UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev
While he steadfastly believes that he deserved the nod in Seattle, he left the Octagon at Climate Pledge Arena without getting his hand raised, which was another part of the altogether unfamiliar experience for the talented Brazilian, and one that he has no interest in going through again this weekend.
Not when the feeling of winning is so addictive.
“I think only the people that have been in the Octagon in that situation understand,” he said when asked how it will feel to once again have his hand raised in victory on Saturday, should he get by Johns. “(Fighters) know how good it feels to get your hand raised. It’s something addicting and I can’t wait to get that win and continue on my path to the top.”
