PFL heavyweight Stuart Austin has a chance to shake up the entire season in the first week for the division.
At 2022 PFL 2, Austin meets 2021 champion Bruno Cappelozza in the main event at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Despite faltering in his debut with the promotion, Austin (15-7) finds himself sharing the main spotlight at Thursday’s event. Should he perform like he believes he’s capable against Cappelozza (4-5), it won’t change much from his perspective.
“When I beat Bruno, to be honest, it’s not going to do anything for my confidence, because I know I can beat him already,” Austin told reporters during Tuesday’s media day. “I know I’m ready. I’ve not come here to make up numbers. My last performance, it is what it is. It happened, it completely sucks. I didn’t think I could beat everyone in this division I wouldn’t be here.”
The second fight of Austin’s PFL tenure will be coming off a loss in his debut against Renan Ferreira at 2021 PFL 8, where he was caught with a big overhand right early in the first round. The loss snapped a two-fight win streak for Austin, but he’s not dwelling on that result, and has his eyes set on big things this season.
“I’m here for the championship,” Austin said. “That’s what I’m here for. … Having Bruno in the first round is an amazing opportunity, because when I get him out of here, I’m hoping to finish him. If I finish him in the first round, then that sends a statement that my last fight was something that just happened.”
Check out the full media day interview with Austin in the video above.
2022 PFL 2’s Stuart Austin aims to send message by finishing 2021 champion Bruno Cappelozza
