Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is in London for the UFC Fight Night event this Saturday. Brazilian lightweight Kaue Fernandes wants to deliver a shocking performance that will get Topuria’s attention.
Fernandes is scheduled to fight Guram Kutateladze on the preliminary card at the O2 Arena. He believes that defeating Kutateladze, who is friends with Georgian stars Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili, could create significant buzz and interesting future storylines.
Fernandes mentioned considering the possibility of Dvalishvili and Topuria being in Kutateladze’s corner during the fight. He joked about potentially creating a rivalry if Topuria gets stressed seeing his friend lose. Fernandes thinks Kutateladze’s connections to prominent fighters amplify the importance of this match.
Topuria previously held the 145-pound title but has moved up to lightweight, Fernandes’ weight class, to pursue a fight with Islam Makhachev for the championship. The UFC has not yet announced when Topuria will compete at lightweight or who his first opponent will be.
Fernandes noted that Kutateladze already has some attention. He explained that a narrow victory might not bring him much recognition, but a knockout win would generate significant hype. He sees this fight as a prime opportunity to elevate his position and demand bigger fights in the future. Fernandes feels he has the skills but needs to showcase them in the octagon.
Fernandes, representing Nova Uniao, experienced a close split decision loss to Marc Diakiese in his UFC debut in 2023. He bounced back with a first-round knockout against Mohammad Yahya in Abu Dhabi. He states that competing in hostile environments motivates him.
Fernandes explained that he feels energized when fighting away from home. His last fight in Abu Dhabi against a local fighter and his current visit to London, a place he dreamed of visiting, provide him with extra motivation and power.
Coming into this fight after a victory boosts Fernandes’ confidence compared to his previous bout after a loss. He believes finishing Yahya gave him confidence in his knockout power, hoping to secure a $50,000 performance bonus.
Fernandes analyzed Kutateladze’s recent fight, observing that he relied more on grappling than striking, despite his striking background. Fernandes believes Kutateladze might resort to grappling if he feels threatened on his feet, which is a common strategy for fighters. While expecting a stand-up fight, Fernandes acknowledges he could also grapple if necessary.
Wesley Dunham