Martin Kampmann Expects Standup Fight with Thiago Alves
Even though Martin Kampmann might have an edge over Thiago Alves on the ground, he’s expecting a standup fight when they meet Friday at UFC on FX 2.
“I think I can win the fight wherever it takes place,” Kampmann told the Sherdog Radio Network’s “Savage Dog Show.” “I’m prepared to fight Thiago wherever the fight goes. I think I probably have a better ground game, but the problem is, he’s really hard to take down. He’s got great takedown defense and he’s really good at getting back to his feet anyway. It might be a tough job taking him down, but I feel I can strike with him as well.”
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Despite being the main event, the fight is scheduled for three rounds and not five. Initially, Kampmann thought he’d have 25 minutes to get the best of Alves. As someone who has lost some close decisions, Kampmann preferred a five-round bout.
“I’ll be honest. Probably, in a five-round fight, I’d be a lot less worried about the judges,” Kampmann said. “It’s no secret in the past I’ve been screwed by the judges. I think five rounds, it gives you more time to finish the fight. I think my cardio is good and I can definitely keep going, keep pushing. I think five rounds could have benefited me, but it’s a three-round [fight] and there’s nothing I can do to change it. I’ll beat up Thiago Alves within the three rounds, and next time I’ll do five rounds, no problem.”
To get the win, Kampmann thinks he’ll have to outstrike Alves. That doesn’t mean he won’t take what Alves’ gives him, though.
“I think the majority of this fight is going to take place standing up, but I’ve seen Thiago go for takedowns in some of his latest fights and I’m prepared for that,” Kampmann said. “I’m very confident in my takedown defense as well. If he gives me a takedown, I’ll take it and beat him up on the ground.”
Listen to the full interview (beginning at 1:32:30).
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