March 17, 2023 11:20 am ET
Rob Wilkinson desires to show he’s among the many greatest on this planet, and he feels he can just do that in his subsequent outing.
The 2022 PFL mild heavyweight champion returns to the cage April 1 within the co-main occasion of 2023 PFL 1 in Las Vegas. Wilkinson (17-2 MMA) welcomes former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos to the PFL. The Australian sees this as a terrific alternative to show his price within the MMA panorama.
“He’s been combating the highest guys within the UFC ceaselessly now,” Wilkinson advised MMA Junkie Radio. “His final battle was in opposition to the now present UFC champion, Jamahal Hil. So I believe that going on the market and making an announcement and making it look straightforward in a way, having a greater efficiency than all these guys within the UFC had in opposition to him, I believe that actually goes to indicate that there are lots of fighters, not solely within the UFC. We’re seeing this time and time once more – UFC fighters leaving to PFL pondering they’ll have good fights and make a fast million {dollars}, and that’s not been the case in any respect. I’m wanting ahead to Thiago.”
Wilkinson feels underappreciated by the plenty. Now on a six-fight successful streak, and along with his final loss being to Israel Adesanya in 2018, Wilkinson feels he needs to be considered among the finest mild heavyweights on this planet. He thinks that the label of the UFC unfairly overshadows these doing good work outdoors the octagon.
“I positively need that respect,” Wilkinson defined. “I noticed a few of these world rankings, you already know, how low I’m in a few of these rankings. I believe UFC fighters for no matter purpose get placed on a pedestal above all different promotions. I’m a world champion of what? Certainly one of 4 main promotions and I positively think about myself high 10, and I need to show I’m one of the best mild heavyweight on this planet. In order that’s why I’m excited for this battle.”
No matter whether or not he will get the credit score, he feels he deserves or not, Wilkinson sees the Santos matchup as one thing past a chance to show his expertise to the world. Wilkinson considers Santos to be the hardest problem within the PFL mild heavyweight season. Taking the Brazilian out will ship a message to the remainder of the rivals.
“I believe this battle, it virtually seems like a much bigger battle than the ultimate final 12 months,” Wilkinson mentioned. “It’s a giant title and possibly the hardest man within the match to verse for myself.
“I believe it’s going to be thrilling to go on the market and make an announcement and get a end, and form of actually present that … I need nobody to need to battle me. I need them in the event that they get matched up with me to be like, ‘F*ck.’ I need to make an announcement with Thiago and make everybody scared to battle me.
