UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Emmanuel Sanchez thinks he’s changed a lot since he first met Daniel Weichel inside the cage three-and-a-half years ago.
Friday, the two featherweights will meet again – this time at Bellator 241. The stakes are raised, as this is a quarterfinal matchup in the Bellator grand prix. The victor will move a step closer to winning the $1 million prize slated for the winner of the tournament, during which the 145-pound title will also be up for grabs.
“I’m just incredibly ready in every which way,” Sanchez told MMA Junkie at a pre-fight media day Wednesday. “We’re on such a bigger platform now from the first time that I fought him. The stakes are so much higher. There’s so much more on the line. I love that pressure. Pressure does two things: it crushes cans and makes diamonds. I’m ready to shine.”
While Sanchez (19-4 MMA, 11-3 BMMA) is confident he’s improved since Weichel took a split decision in July 2016, he doesn’t think the same about Weichel (40-11 MMA, 9-3 BMMA).
“I believe I have (improved),” Sanchez said. “I don’t believe he has. He’s maybe grown in some fights that he’s had as of late since we fought, but I’ve fought about seven different opponents. He’s only fought about two or three different opponents. … I thought that was the best me back then almost five years ago. The me now would absolutely destroy the young kid from back then. You know that old saying? I wish I knew then what I know now – but I don’t I’m actually very thankful for the losses. I’m thankful for the lessons that have put me in this place I am now.”
The winner of Sanchez and Weichel will face the winner of the Bellator 241 main event between champion Patricio Freire and challenger Pedro Carvalho. While he said he’s not looking past Weichel, Sanchez knows a potential to avenge his third promotional loss could be on the horizon.
“In a perfect world, yes,” Sanchez said. “That’s exactly what I’m going to look out to go do. First thing’s first, of course. That’s Daniel Weichel this Friday night. Then after that, it’ll be two down, two more to go. Then, on to everything else I want. We’re going to wait and see. … Daniel Weichel will be done in one inside the Mohegan Sun.”
Bellator 241 takes place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
Bellator 241's Emmanuel Sanchez: 'Daniel Weichel will be done in one at the Mohegan Sun'
